In today's world, our homes and offices are filled with essential electronic devices. These include computers, televisions, appliances, and smart home devices. They are all vulnerable to power surges and voltage spikes, which can cause serious damage. This is where surge protectors come in, offering a vital layer of protection for your valuable equipment.
Surge protectors are designed to safeguard your electronic devices from harmful power fluctuations. They monitor the electrical current flowing through the outlet and quickly respond to any sudden increases in voltage. When a surge protector detects a voltage spike, it diverts the excess energy away from your connected devices. This prevents damage and ensures their longevity.

At the heart of a surge protector's functionality are its internal components, such as metal oxide varistors (MOVs) and gas discharge arresters. These components act as guardians, absorbing the excess voltage and redirecting it to the ground wire. This effectively neutralises the threat posed by power surges. By employing advanced surge suppression technology, surge protectors provide a reliable defense against the destructive forces of electrical disturbances.
Key Takeaways
Surge protectors are essential for safeguarding electronic devices from power surges and voltage spikes.
They monitor electrical current and divert excess voltage away from connected equipment.
Internal components like MOVs and gas discharge arresters absorb and redirect excess energy to the ground wire.
Surge protectors employ advanced surge suppression technology to provide reliable protection.
Properly functioning surge protectors ensure the longevity and stability of your electronic devices.
Understanding Power Surges and Voltage Spikes
To protect your electronic devices from damage, it's crucial to grasp the impact of power surges and voltage spikes. These sudden voltage increases can severely harm your equipment, leading to expensive repairs or replacements.

What Causes Power Surges and Voltage Spikes?
Power surges and voltage spikes come from various sources. Lightning strikes are a major external cause, with insurers paying $825 million in claims in 2016. Severe weather, fallen trees, and animals also contribute to 58% of blackouts. Faulty wiring in homes is a common internal trigger, making surge protection essential. High-powered appliances and frequent on/off cycling can also cause electricity fluctuations.
The Risks of Power Surges to Electronic Devices
Power surges and voltage spikes can severely damage your electronic devices. The extra voltage generates heat, which can harm or destroy circuit boards and critical components. The damage from voltage spikes can be immediate or build up over time. Using surge protectors is a key step to prevent costly repairs or replacements.
Understanding the causes and risks of power surges and voltage spikes is vital. By taking proactive measures, such as using high-quality surge protectors, you can safeguard your devices. Stay informed and proactive to avoid the devastating effects of voltage spike damage.
The Purpose of Surge Protectors
Surge protectors are vital for safeguarding your electronic gear from power surges and voltage spikes. In New Zealand, where the standard voltage is 240 volts, most surge protectors are rated at 240 volts and 10-20 amps. This ensures they offer the best protection. By choosing a quality surge protector, you can avoid the expense of repairing or replacing your devices due to power fluctuations.

Protecting Electronic Devices from Power Surges
Power surges can happen many times a day, coming from appliances or lightning strikes. These surges can greatly reduce your electronics' lifespan or even destroy them without protection. Surge protectors divert excess voltage, safeguarding desktop computers, TVs, gaming systems, and other sensitive devices. Yet, high-power items like refrigerators and microwaves should not be plugged into surge protectors to avoid overloading.
Surge Protectors vs Power Strips
Understanding the difference between surge protectors and power strips is key when installing surge protectors. While both allow multiple items to be plugged into one outlet, only surge protectors offer electrical protection. Power strips, on the other hand, provide convenience but no surge protection. For your devices' safety and longevity, opt for a surge protector with a high joule rating. Look for ones rated at least 600 to 700 joules and a clamping voltage of 400 volts or less. Remember, surge protectors have a limited lifespan, so check the indicator lights regularly to ensure they're working.

How Do Surge Protectors Work?
Surge protectors shield your electronic devices from power surges and voltage spikes. It's vital to grasp how these devices work to protect your valuable electronics. At their core, surge protectors have a complex circuit that manages excess voltage, directing it safely away.
Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs) and Surge Suppression
The metal oxide varistor (MOV) is key to surge protection. These voltage-dependent resistors detect and respond to sudden voltage increases. When voltage is normal, the MOV's high resistance allows current to flow to your devices. But during a surge, its resistance drops, absorbing and diverting the excess energy.
This mechanism is the first defence against voltage spikes that could harm your electronics.
Redirecting Excess Voltage to the Ground Wire
Surge protectors also redirect excess voltage to the ground wire. When a surge is too much for the MOV, the protector sends the excess energy to the ground wire. This grounding ensures dangerous voltage is safely dissipated, protecting your devices from damage.
By providing a path for excess energy, surge protectors reduce the risk of electrical fires and safeguard your electronics.
Line Conditioning and Noise Filtering
Advanced surge protectors also handle line conditioning and noise filtering. Line noise can degrade your devices' performance. These protectors use electromagnetic components to smooth out these irregularities, offering a cleaner power supply.
By filtering out line noise, they help maintain your devices' performance and longevity, even in noisy environments.
Choosing the Right Surge Protector
When picking a surge protector, several key factors must be considered to safeguard your electronics. The joule rating is paramount, showing the protector's energy absorption capacity before failure. Higher joule ratings mean better protection. The ideal joule rating varies based on your equipment's value, its type, and the local power surge frequency.
Joule Rating and Protection Level
For smaller items like lamps and alarm clocks, a 1,000 joule surge protector is usually sufficient. Office equipment and entertainment systems benefit from 1,000 to 2,000 joule ratings. However, for critical devices like computers and high-end home theatres, surge protectors with over 2,000 joules are essential. Remember, once a surge protector's capacity is exceeded, it must be replaced to continue protecting your devices.
Number of Outlets and Cord Length
The number of outlets on a surge protector is crucial, matching the number of devices you need to connect. If you have items with large transformer plugs, choose a surge protector that accommodates them without blocking other outlets. Also, ensure the cord length is sufficient to reach a grounded AC outlet without posing a tripping risk.
Additional Features: USB Charging, Data Line Protection, and More
Modern surge protectors often feature additional functionalities. Some include USB charging ports for convenient device charging. Others protect data lines like telephone, Ethernet, and coaxial cables from surges. When selecting, consider which extra features are most important for your needs. Opt for a model that balances outlet quantity, joule rating, and additional protection features.
Whole-Home Surge Protection
If your home is filled with electronic devices, you've likely faced power surges before. Or perhaps you're looking to protect your appliances from future damage. In either case, whole-home surge protection is a smart choice. This comprehensive system involves installing a surge protection device (SPD) in your electrical panel. It acts as a shield against voltage spikes that could harm your appliances.
Whole-home surge protection filters out excessive currents while allowing normal electrical flow. The SPD has a voltage protection rating (VPR) that sets the maximum voltage allowed into your home. This regulation at the entry point prevents damage to your electronics from both internal and external power surges.
While whole-home surge protection offers robust defence, it's not foolproof. Experts suggest adding point-of-use surge protectors for critical devices to enhance protection. If you're considering whole-home surge protection, consult a licensed electrician. They can evaluate your home's needs and install the system professionally, ensuring your electronics are well-protected.
FAQ
What are the most common causes of power surges and voltage spikes?
Power surges and spikes can be caused by several factors. These include the restoration of power after an outage, downed power lines, and electrical grid malfunctions. Other causes include on/off cycling of large appliances, wiring faults, tripped circuit breakers, and lightning strikes.
How do surge protectors prevent damage to electronic devices?
Surge protectors employ metal oxide varistors (MOVs) to detect high voltage levels. When a surge occurs, the MOV reduces resistance. It then redirects the excess voltage to the grounding wire. This prevents the voltage from damaging connected devices.
What is the difference between a surge protector and a power strip?
Surge protectors and power strips both allow for multiple devices to be plugged into one outlet. However, only surge protectors offer electrical protection against power surges. Power strips provide convenience but do not safeguard your electronics from voltage spikes.
What should I consider when choosing a surge protector?
When choosing a surge protector, look at the joule rating. Higher numbers indicate greater protection. Also, consider the number of outlets needed, cord length, and additional features. Features like USB charging ports and data line protection for telephone, Ethernet, or coaxial lines are important.
What is whole-home surge protection, and how does it work?
Whole-home surge protection involves installing a surge protection device (SPD) connected to your electrical panel. The SPD allows normal electrical currents to pass through. It blocks potentially damaging high-voltage currents, protecting electronics throughout your entire house.
How can I get professional help with whole-home surge protection installation?
For widespread protection of your home, consider contacting a qualified electrician at Whittaker Electrical. They can assist with whole-home surge protection installation and provide more information. Call them at 022 689 4041 or email euan@whittakerelectrical.co.nz.