Every electrical device or appliance in your home is unique in that they all have their own specific internal resistance that determines the amount of current they can draw at a given time. If the electrical grid supplies more or less than the rated voltage, the device may not operate efficiently or could even sustain damage. This is the main reason why surge protectors were invented. They monitor and regulate the voltage supplied to your devices to safeguard them and ensure their longevity. However, for optimal level of protection, you must buy the best type and model for your home.
Important Electrical Terms
When discussing electricity, you’ll come across three main terms: voltage, amperage, and wattage. Voltage is the electrical pressure that pushes electrons through circuits or wires, and it’s measured in volts (V). Think of it as the same concept as water pressure in your pipes pushing water to flow through.
Amperage (or current) measures the amount of electrical charge moving through the circuit at any given time. Its best analogy is the volume of water flowing through the pipes at a time. Amperage is measured in amperes (A) or amps. If you multiply voltage and amperage, you get the power of electricity, which is called wattage or watts.
Surge Protectors
Surge protectors are made of metal oxide varistors (MOV), a combination of metal oxide material and semiconductors, which can absorb excess voltage, allowing only acceptable current levels to reach your devices and appliances. They will then divert that excess voltage they absorbed to the ground.
However, when the electrical power is too strong, they will completely disconnect, preventing the electricity from flowing through. Surge protectors have built-in circuit breakers that trip when appliances or devices draw too much current or when the current running through the supply exceeds the safe limit.
Buying a Surge Protector
There are some key factors you must consider when looking for the right surge protector for your home. They include the following.
Joule Rating
A surge protector’s joule rating shows you the amount of electricity energy it can absorb over a given period of time. One watt (unit of power) is equal to one joule per second. For example, a lightbulb rated 60W burns 60 joules of energy for every second it’s on.
A surge protector rated 1,000 joules will absorb energy surges (unwanted electricity spikes) totaling 1,000 watts per second. Hence, the higher the number of joules, the better.
It’s important to note that the integrity of your electrical grid also matters. If your electrical infrastructure frequently surges, your surge protector will deplete at a fast rate even if it’s rated highly.
For the best protection for your devices and appliances, get a surge protector rated 2,000 joules or higher. In an average home, such a surge protector lasts three to five years.
Clamping Voltage
The clamping voltage (Voltage Protection Rating, VPR) is the maximum voltage a surge protector allows to pass through to the attached device during an electrical surge. For instance, if your electrical grid has a surge of 5,000V, a surge protector with a clamping voltage of 400V will only permit 400V of that voltage to reach the connected device. This effectively protects your device from 4,600V, which could have destroyed it.
The clamping voltage you select for your home will depend on the device or appliance you want to protect. Some appliances, like the HVAC system, require a lower clamping voltage due to their sensitivity to voltage fluctuations, while other less sensitive gadgets may tolerate higher clamping voltage. Be sure to consult with an electrician before making a purchase.
Generally, the best clamping voltage for a whole house is 400 volts or less. If you have a device that requires more voltage, such as an advanced Level 2 EV charger, you may need an electrician to install a dedicated circuit with its own surge protector to support the higher voltage requirements.
Breakdown Voltage
Breakdown voltage is the minimum voltage level at which a surge protector kicks in to protect your devices. In other words, it’s the voltage that activates the surge protector. For best performance, ensure the breakdown voltage is slightly higher than the normal operating voltage but lower than the clamping voltage.
UL Certification
UL, which stands for Underwriters Laboratories, is an independent global safety science company that tests products and technologies for safety and effectiveness and verifies corporate compliance, sustainability, transparency, and security. They are very thorough, ensuring that every product that bears their certification has met rigorous standards. If your surge protector is UL-certified, you can be sure it will keep you safe, operate efficiently, and last for a long time.
NEMA Rating
The National Electrical Manufacturer Association (NEMA) uses a standard rating system that defines the different types of environments in which a surge protector can operate efficiently. They consider factors such as dust, water, corrosive materials, and temperature that could affect the protective ability of a surge protector.
The ratings range from NEMA 1 to NEMA 4. NEMA 1 provides basic protection for normal indoor environments with minimal exposure to dust and moisture, while NEMA 4 surge protectors are completely dust proof and waterproof and can work in hot or freezing temperatures. If you want additional protection from corrosion, go for the NEMA 4X surge protectors. You can use the level 4X both indoors and outdoors.
The Types
There are three basic types of surge protectors you can buy for your home. The first is the surge protector power strip. This is the most affordable and easy-to-use solution. It looks like an extension socket with several outlets (including USB ports) that you can plug your device into. It typically features a switch to turn all connected devices on or off and offers basic protection for small gadgets like phones and laptops against power surges.
The second type is the wall-mount surge protector (also known as the point-of-use surge protector). You plug it directly into a wall outlet to provide targeted protection for specific devices or areas of your home. It’s best for sensitive appliances like refrigerators and home entertainment systems as well as water heaters and HVAC systems.
The third type is the whole-house surge protector. It’s installed in the electrical panel to provide comprehensive protection for every electronic in your home. It safeguards against surges originating from both internal sources (appliance electrical overdraws) and external sources (such as lightning strikes).
Contact Absolute Electric for More Information
Before buying a surge protector for your home in Sterling, VA, ensure to consult with our electricians first. There are many factors to consider, including your energy needs and area codes, which need tailored recommendations. Our experts will not only help you select the right surge protector but also install it for you, ensuring both safety and efficiency. You can also call us for the installation, repair, and maintenance of EV chargers, ceiling fans, lighting solutions, and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Call Absolute Electric today for installation, repair, or maintenance of your surge protectors in Sterling, VA.
