What is Surge Protection?
Surge protection is a mechanism designed to safeguard electrical devices and appliances from sudden voltage spikes or surges in the power supply. These surges can occur due to various reasons such as lightning strikes, power outages, or fluctuations in the electrical grid.
How does a Surge Protector work?
A surge protector also known as spike suppressor, surge suppressor, surge diverter works by detecting and diverting excess voltage from a power surge away from connected electronic devices, thereby preventing potential damage. Here’s a simplified explanation of how it functions.
Detection: Surge protectors are equipped with components that monitor the voltage level. When the voltage exceeds the normal level, indicating a surge, the surge protector activates.
Diverter Components: The core components of most surge protectors are metal oxide varistors (MOVs) or gas discharge tubes (GDTs). These components are designed to respond to the excess voltage.
MOVs: Metal oxide varistors consist of a variable resistance that changes with the voltage. Under normal voltage levels, they act as high-resistance components, allowing regular current to pass through. During a surge, the resistance drops significantly, allowing the MOV to absorb and redirect the excess voltage away from the protected devices.
GDTs: Gas discharge tubes contain an inert gas that ionizes when exposed to high voltage, creating a conductive path that diverts the excess voltage away from the connected devices.
Energy Dissipation: The excess energy from the surge is absorbed and dissipated by the MOVs or GDTs, preventing it from reaching the connected electronics. This energy is typically converted into heat.
Clamping Voltage: The surge protector has a clamping voltage rating, which is the threshold at which it starts to divert excess voltage. Effective surge protectors have a low clamping voltage to respond quickly to surges.
Grounding: The surge protector redirects the excess voltage to the ground wire, safely dissipating it into the earth and away from your devices.
By performing these functions, surge protectors help to ensure that sensitive electronic equipment remains safe from potentially damaging voltage spikes and surges.
What is a power surge?
A power surge is a sudden increase in voltage that exceeds the normal flow of electricity, typically lasting three nanoseconds (billionths of a second) or more. When this voltage increase lasts for one or two nanoseconds, it is called a spike. Both surges and spikes can potentially damage electrical devices and systems by overwhelming them with excessive voltage.
Do I need a surge protector in Australia?
Yes, you need a surge protector in Australia. The country experiences frequent electrical storms and power fluctuations that can cause power surges, potentially damaging your electronic devices and appliances. A surge protector helps safeguard your equipment by blocking or diverting excess voltage, ensuring the longevity and functionality of your valuable electronics. Given the investment in home and office technology, using surge protection is a wise and cost-effective precaution.
What are the disadvantages of surge protectors?
While surge protectors offer valuable protection against power surges, they have some disadvantages. They can create a false sense of security, as not all surge protectors can handle large spikes, and their effectiveness diminishes over time, requiring regular replacement. Additionally, high-quality surge protectors can be costly, and they may not protect against direct lightning strikes or severe electrical faults. Moreover, some models may limit the number of devices you can connect, and improper use or overloading can pose fire hazards.
