South Carolina summers are characterized by hot, humid weather with the potential for afternoon thunderstorms and tropical weather. The frequent afternoon thunderstorms are triggered by heat and humidity, and these storms can bring heavy rainfall, lightning and gusty winds. While they usually pass relatively quickly, they can occasionally lead to localized flooding or power outages.
South Carolina is also susceptible to tropical weather systems such as hurricanes and tropical storms especially later in the summer months. These storms can bring heavy rain, strong winds, and storm surges thus posing significant risks to coastal areas.
To protect your electronic investments, we recommend investing in a surge protector.
What Is a Surge Protector?
A surge protector is a device designed to protect electronic devices from voltage spikes in electrical power. Voltage spikes, also called surges, can occur in lightning strikes, power grid fluctuations or switching of high-powered electrical devices. Surge protectors work by diverting excess voltage away from connected devices, thus preventing damage to sensitive electronic components.
Here’s How a Surge Protector Works:
- Voltage Detection – Surge protectors constantly monitor the incoming electrical voltage. When they detect a voltage spike above a certain threshold, they react to protect connected devices.
- Diversion of Excess Voltage – Upon detecting a surge, surge protectors divert the excess voltage away from the connected devices. They usually do this by shunting the excess voltage to a grounding wire or a designated pathway that leads it safely to the ground.
- Protection Components – Surge protectors contain various internal components to manage surges, including metal oxide varistors (MOVs), gas discharge tubes (GDTs), and transient voltage suppression diodes (TVS diodes). These components absorb or redirect excess voltage to safeguard connected devices.
- Clamping Voltage – Surge protectors have a clamping voltage which is the maximum voltage level that can pass through without harming the connected devices. Quality surge protectors have a lower clamping voltage thus providing better protection.
- Indicator Lights – Many surge protectors come with indicator lights to show whether the protection is active or if the device needs replacement after experiencing a surge.
What Is the Importance of a Surge Protector?
- Protection from Voltage Spikes – Voltage spikes can fry delicate electronic components in devices like computers, TVs, gaming consoles and more. Surge protectors act as a buffer by diverting excess voltage away from your devices and preventing damage.
- Longevity of Devices – By preventing damage from voltage spikes, surge protectors can extend the lifespan of your electronic equipment. Without protection, even a single surge could render your devices unusable.
- Financial Savings – Replacing or repairing electronics can be expensive. Investing in a surge protector is a relatively small expense compared to the cost of replacing damaged equipment.
- Peace of Mind – Knowing that your valuable electronics are protected from power surges can provide peace of mind, especially in areas prone to electrical storms or unstable power grids.
- Insurance Requirement – In some cases, insurance policies may require the use of surge protectors to cover damage caused by power surges. Using surge protectors not only protects your devices but also ensures you are compliant with insurance requirements.
- Convenience – Surge protectors often come with multiple outlets allowing you to plug in several devices simultaneously. This not only protects multiple devices at once but also reduces clutter and makes managing cords easier.
Surge protectors play a vital role in safeguarding your electronic devices by providing both protection and peace of mind.
Cool Care Heating, Air, Plumbing & Refrigeration offers surge protectors for your home and business. Just give us a call at 803.772.7715 to keep your electronic devices protected!