In our modern era, electronic devices have become integral to our daily lives. From smartphones to computers to kitchen appliances, we rely heavily on these devices in our daily routines, both at work and at home. However, the electricity that powers these devices can be unpredictable, sometimes causing sudden power surges that can result in permanent damage. In order to prolong the lifespan of your electronics, it’s crucial to implement reliable surge protection measures. Here are critical safety tips that can help safeguard your electronic devices from surges.
Acquire Quality Surge Protectors
Installing surge protectors in your home or business is one of the best ways to safeguard your electronics against electrical damage. These protective devices act as a barrier between your electronics and your main power source, directing excess voltage away from your devices. When shopping for surge protectors, it’s vital to choose high-quality options with features like joule ratings and clamping voltage. Also, ensure the surge protectors you purchase can accommodate all the devices you plan to plug in.
Have Surge Protection for Every Entry Point
To ensure complete protection for all your devices, don’t limit surge protection to just one outlet. Power surges can infiltrate your home through various pathways, such as power lines, telephone lines, and cable connections. Therefore, it’s crucial to install surge protectors at multiple entry points in order to safeguard your electronic devices against potential damage, particularly those that rely on internet or phone connections.
Avoid Overloading Circuits
Every electrical circuit has a defined capacity that it can handle. If multiple high-powered devices are using electricity from one circuit at the same time, it can result in a situation where the demand surpasses the circuit’s capacity, leading to an overload. This can cause voltage fluctuations, increasing the probability of power surges. In order to avoid this, it’s recommended to distribute your devices across different outlets and circuits. This evenly distributes the load and minimizes the risk of overloading any single circuit.
Use Dedicated Circuits
If you use a lot of electrical power, such as for a home office or an entertainment center, it’s best to use dedicated circuits. These circuits are explicitly designed to handle high electrical loads, which helps reduce the risk of overloading the main circuit.
Consult an Electrician
It is crucial to have an electrician inspect your electrical switchboard or fuse box on a regular basis to ensure that your home has enough power to support all of your electrical devices and appliances. If you’ve been noticing flickering lights or frequent power outages in your home, it could be related to issues with your circuit breaker. By consulting with a certified electrician, you can determine whether upgrading your electrical system is necessary to meet your power requirements.
Unplug Devices During Storms
During thunderstorms, there is a greater chance of power surges occurring, especially those caused by lightning. In order to avoid any potential damage to sensitive electronic devices, it is advisable to unplug them during such weather conditions or use a whole-house surge protector. This can significantly decrease the likelihood of voltage spikes that may affect your devices through power lines.
Regularly Check and Replace Surge Protectors
It’s essential to keep in mind that surge protectors can wear down over time, which means they have a limited lifespan. As such, it’s vital to inspect them regularly for any signs of wear or damage. If you detect any frayed cords, burn marks, or non-functioning outlets, it’s advisable to replace your surge protector right away to safeguard your electronic devices.
At Sublime Electric, we take immense pride in delivering exceptional services to our valued clients in Boise, ID, where our skilled electricians are committed to providing prompt and effective surge protection services. If you want to learn more about our options, contact us today.
