It takes more than unplugging items during a thunderstorm to actually protect an expensive electronic device from sudden jolts of power. The most reliable means would be surge protection measures, and in many cases, an APC UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) will provide both backup as well as built-in protections from damaging waves. With protection and an uninterrupted power supply combined, costs on lost downtime and equipment failure become smaller.
What Power Surges Can Do
A power surge occurs when the voltage levels suddenly rise above the permitted levels in the electrical system of the customer. Generally, this state lasts for a few milliseconds but can still be of permanent consequence. Equipment needing special care includes computers, servers, routers, and home entertainment systems.
Surges may originate as a result of:
- Lightning strikes or electrical storms occurring at some distance from the house
- Faulty wiring or a circuit that’s overloaded.
- High-energy appliances cycling – starting and then turning off (air conditioning units).
- Miscellaneous faults affecting the utility grid.
This will result in either corrupted files, fried circuits, a reduced lifespan of the equipment, or a complete failure of the system itself.
Typical Solutions for Surge Protection
Keeping your equipment safe involves many ways, quite a few of which come with different merits and levels of protection.
- Surge Protectors. Very cost-effective, especially for home use, surge-protecting power strips absorb excessive voltage and protect connected devices but should be replaced every so often, since their potency wears out.
- Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS). Unlike basic surge protectors, UPS not only blocks surges but also provides backup power during outages. This is extremely vital for those that cannot afford down times or loss of data. Battery backup supplies ensure systems are safely shut down or can continue to operate during an outage thanks to voltage regulation.
- Whole-House Surge Protection. For those who really need it, whole-house surge protection units are set up at the electrical panel for maximum protection. This type protects everything connected to those circuits and appliances but usually works best in conjunction with localised protection for very sensitive devices.
Preventive Measures Against Damage
Those who want to be proactive in safeguarding their devices should use these preventive measures:
- Invest in Layered Protection – Combine surge protectors and UPS systems with whole-house protection for the best defence.
- Disconnect Appliances During Severe Storms – For lightning-stricken areas, the extra effort of disconnecting equipment can be the final, and very crucial, security measure.
- Inspect Wiring – Outdated or faulty wiring may put older systems at an increased risk of surges. This exposure can be reduced through regular maintenance.
- Change out old surge protectors – Surge protectors just wear with time and now should be replaced every few years and/or after a big surge.
Establishing a Trusted Safety Net
Surges can easily ruin some very expensive equipment. It is preparation and layered defences, not the last-minute scurry of trying to seek out the best surge protection equipment or setting up power backup systems, that eventually saves from major costs incurred in repairing or replacing equipment.
Don’t wait until a sudden outage or spike wreaks havoc. Seek solutions for surge protection now and choose one setup that best meets the needs of your home or business.
