We rely on electrical devices for pretty much everything. Every business, whether it’s an office or warehouse, has many devices including factory machinery, laptops, desktops, monitors, servers, printers, and networking devices.
Electrical devices require a stable current at a very specific voltage. Sudden changes in voltage can cause severe damage to your devices. That’s where surge protectors come in! They’re designed to protect circuits by maintaining a steady flow of electricity.
This buying guide will explain the differences between surge protectors, power strips, and everything in between. Read on to make an informed decision when it comes to protecting your devices from sudden electrical surges.
What Is a Surge Protector?
A surge protector is designed to protect electronic devices from low-voltage surges caused by fluctuations in the electrical grid or other sources of electrical interference.
How Do Surge Protectors Work?
Surge protectors limit the voltage supplied to a device by either blocking or shorting to ground any voltages that are above a safe threshold. If the voltage jumps above that level, that’s called a surge or spike. Even if the extra electricity doesn’t cause immediate damage, repeated surges can wear down electronic parts until they stop working. Most surges come from common equipment when motors turn on and off, such as refrigerators, space heaters, air conditioners, or power tools. Lightning strikes, power grid switching by the utility company, and overloaded wiring can also cause sudden spikes.
When extra electricity enters a surge protector, it diverts that extra power to the outlet’s ground wire. The expected voltage (typically 120 volts in the United States) continues to its destination, and the electronic device continues working unharmed.
It’s important to note that power strips are not the same as surge protectors. Though many look similar, a surge protector will have a suppressed voltage rating, whereas a power strip is essentially an extension cord with multiple outlets. However, many power strips are equipped with surge protectors.
The Benefits of Surge Protection
Check out the graphic to learn more about the benefits of surge protection.
Performance Features You Should Know
There are several factors to consider when choosing the right surge protection for your business. Let’s take a look at the ones that top the list.
Outlets: Figure out how many outlets you need, then add at least a couple more so you have room to add other devices. If you’re working at a desk, you may be connecting a computer, multifunction printer, office phone, radio, cell phone charger, cable modem, and Wi-Fi router.
Joules: The joule rating is the total amount of electricity a surge protector can handle over time before it needs to be replaced. The greater the joule rating, the greater the surge power it can absorb. Small items like clocks, lamps, and toasters don’t need more than 1,000 joules. Printers and power tools should use 1,000 to 2,000 joules. Larger, more-sensitive equipment such as computers and TVs need 2,000 joules or more.
Voltage Protection Rating (VPR): The Underwriters Laboratories (UL) VPR is a measure of the maximum voltage a surge protector will allow to pass through to connected devices before it triggers protection, also known as clamping voltage. A lower VPR means better protection.
Response time: When a surge hits, it takes a tiny amount of time before the surge protection starts. A faster response time is better, so look for a surge protector with a response time of 1 nanosecond or less.
Energy-saving features: Some surge protectors can turn off power to devices if they’re not being used so they don’t use electricity in standby mode. Some have a primary switch that controls other designated outlets. Other power-saving features are timers or occupancy sensors that turn the power on and off based on the time of day or the presence of people in the room.
Additional connections: Damaging power surges can come through more than just the power lines. Consider surge protectors with ethernet ports, telephone lines, cable, or satellite TV pass-throughs.
Warranty: Because surge protectors are designed to wear out over time as they absorb power spikes, look for one with a lifetime warranty and coverage for devices damaged while connected.
Maximum Continuous Operating Voltage (MCOV): The MCOV is defined as the maximum voltage a device can handle and continue to work. In general, the MCOV should be at a minimum of 25% above the nominal supply voltage.
Nominal Discharge Current Rating: Defined as the highest value of a current that can be conducted through a surge protection device with a waveshape of 8/20μs where the SPD still functions after 15 electrical surges. According to UL 1449, manufacturers must choose a nominal discharge current from a pre-defined list (3kA, 5kA, 10kA, or 20kA) for this type of test.
Indication Status: The indication status shows a Go or No-Go status. This can be displayed in various ways including a mechanical indicator, LED, or remote alarm.
Surge Current Capacity or Maximum Surge Rating: These ratings indicate either the lifetime endurance of the device or the one-time maximum surge the device can withstand. However, UL and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) do not acknowledge these ratings; therefore, they may be less reliable.
The Differences Between Surge Protectors, Power Strips, and Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)
Let’s take a look at some types of products that offer surge protection.
As a small business owner, protecting your electronic assets from unexpected electrical surges is an important part of safeguarding your bottom line. Zoro.com makes it easy to get all kinds of surge protection. Shop Zoro.com for electrical supplies and everything else your business needs today!
Product Compliance and Suitability
The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness, or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand, and follow all manufacturer instructions.