POWER SURGES CAN RUIN SMALL APPLIANCES: HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

If you’re like most people, your home is full of appliances that can be damaged if there is a voltage surge or power surge in your home. Unfortunately, a lot of these appliances are also expensive to replace, and some appliances can even catch fire if a power surge occurs.

The good news is, you can protect your appliances from power surges and voltage surges by using step up and down voltage converter regulators, as needed, and by following these simple tips.

Use Power Surge Strips

One of the fastest and least expensive ways that you can protect your appliances from destruction due to power or voltage surges is to plug your appliances into power strips instead of plugging them directly into the outlet. Most power strips have built-in surge protectors that shut the power strip off in the event of a sudden increase in voltage

When purchasing a power strip, make sure you are purchasing a model that hosts a built-in surge protector, as not all power strips have this function.

Have Metered Surge Protection Installed

Your electric company may allow you to have a metered surge protector installed near your electric meter. Once you take this step, power to your home is cut off if there is a power surge, protecting your appliances from damage.

However, it’s not as easy as just installing it yourself. You must hire a certified electrician to install the metered surge protector in most states and, furthermore, it has to be installed in a way that adheres to your local utility company’s guidelines and regulations.

Use an Uninterrupted Power Supply

One other option is to purchase an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) to connect to your major appliances. This protects them from damage caused by power and voltage surges and also provides backup electrical sources during power outages or natural disasters. They’re ideal for use with refrigerators and/or freezers.

Install a Whole-House Surge Protector

Whole-house surge protectors stop spikes in voltage from entering your home completely, providing you with more protection than a traditional power surge protector strip. They are usually installed at your home’s electrical panel. Typically, whole-house surge protectors snap into your electrical panel and require two extra 120-volt spaces.

Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter Outlets

Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets can be identified by the black or red buttons on their exterior. They’re what allows you to test and/or reset the outlet. These are typically found in kitchens and bathrooms but can be used throughout your home. The outlets are designed to automatically protect your appliances in the event that power surges from the appliance into the nearest conductor.

While it’s probably not something that you think about often, power surges do happen. When they do, they can be dangerous and costly. Take the time to use step up and down voltage converter regulators, as needed, or use another method to protect your appliances from power and voltage surges to prevent damage and/or total destruction of your home appliances. For more information on dealing with power surges, feel free to reach out to the team at 110220Volts today.