In today’s world of high-tech electronics nearly every appliance in your home has some sort of a microprocessor that is sensitive to power surges. All our home electronics and appliances are electronically smarter and more sensitive than ever before. This includes televisions, stereos, computers, microwaves, cooking ranges, refrigerators, freezers and dishwashers. In addition modern furnaces, washers and dryers also contain microprocessors that can easily be incapacitated by a power surge.

Power surges can be caused by a nearby lightning strike, a downed power line or even a high motor starting or stopping in your air conditioning unit.

The best way to protect your home electronics is by using surge suppressors. A surge suppressor is a device that absorbs large voltage spikes so they won’t cause damage to electronic equipment. The amount of protection a surge suppressor offers is measured in joules, which is a quantification of how much energy the suppressor can successfully absorb. A higher number indicates greater protection and longer life expectancy because the device will divert more energy elsewhere.

A good home surge suppressor should be rated for 1,000 joules or more and be UL certified. When buying a surge suppressor, don’t be fooled by high prices. A higher price does not necessarily indicate superior protection device. Always look at the joule rating when comparing devices.

Types of electrical surge protectors:

1. A point-of-entry surge suppressor protects the whole-house. A whole-house surge suppressor provides a common, low-impedance path to the ground for electrical, telephone and coaxial-cable TV systems. It is installed at the main power circuit panel and protects all electronic devices in the house.

2. Point-of-use surge protection is a surge suppressor that is used at the equipment itself, such as a computer or television, often in the form of a power strip. It is referred to as a single outlet surge protector. However, not all power strips provide surge protection: Choose only devices that meet UL rating standards for surge suppressors.

Associated with the UL rating is a number that indicates the maximum amount of voltage the suppressor will allow to flow to your equipment. The lower the voltage rating the better the suppressor. A 330 to 400 volt rating is ideal.

Point-of-use surge suppressors are great for protecting individual appliances such as home-theater components, computers, modems and small electronic appliances.

Most surge protectors are inexpensive and are well worth the investment. Manufacturers offer warranties on surge suppressors, but they are often vague about coverage. Some warranties cover replacement of the surge suppressor only while others also cover repairs to the devices the suppressor failed to protect. Before buying a surge protector refer to the manufacturer’s literature for information on the coverage provided.

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