A surge protector shields your appliances and electronics from electrical spikes, both large and small. Most people believe that once they obtain surge protection, these devices will last forever; however, this is untrue. Like anything else, these devices are finite, and they will stop providing protection once they have reached the end of their lifespans. To ensure that you continue to keep your expensive appliances and electronics safe, it is important to understand how surge protection devices work, how long they last, and when they are nearing the end of their usefulness.
The Science of Sacrificial Parts
The primary component inside most surge protectors is a Metal Oxide Varistor, or an MOV. This component functions like a pressure-relief valve for electricity. It redirects extra voltage away from your electronics and sends it into the ground wire. Every time a surge occurs, the MOV absorbs some of that energy. It degrades slightly each time this happens. While a massive lightning strike might destroy an MOV instantly, hundreds of tiny surges from your air conditioner, refrigerator, washing machine, and clothes dryer turning on will wear it down over time. You can’t see this wear and tear with your eyes. However, the chemical layers inside the MOV are slowly breaking apart with every zap it stops.
Counting the Years and the Storms
When you examine the various surge protection devices, you will never find a sticker with an expiration date. This is because how long they last depends entirely on the electrical environment in your neighborhood. If your area has an unstable power grid or a significant number of storms, your surge protectors may only last a couple of years. However, they can last as long as five years in a more stable environment, especially if the units are high quality. Even if no dramatic event ever occurs, experts still highly recommend that you replace surge protection devices every three to five years, as the background noise of the electrical grid chips away at them over time.
Signs That Your Shield Is Down
Many modern surge protection devices have LED lights that indicate their status. If these lights are green, then you’re good to go. But if they flicker or go dark, this means that the internal MOV has finally given up the ghost. Some advanced whole-house protectors even have an audible alarm that beeps when the protection is depleted, which is especially handy for blind homeowners.
The Difference Between Quality and Cost
Not all surge protectors are created equal. The total amount of energy they can absorb is measured in units called joules. A protector with a rating of three thousand joules will last much longer than one rated for only five hundred joules. This is because it has more “armor” to give. When you buy a new one, look for a higher joule rating for your most valuable items, such as computers or home theater systems. Choosing a unit with a lifetime warranty that includes connected equipment coverage can also give you extra peace of mind.
If you’re unsure which options are best for protecting your home and appliances, talk with an electrician. Call Nichols Electric and Plumbing for surge protection services in Rochester, NY today.
