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An Introduction to Surge Protectors and How to Choose One

by | Jul 17, 2023

Protecting your electronic devices from unexpected voltage spikes is one of the smartest ways to keep your home or office equipment safe. At Laswell Electric, we help homeowners and businesses throughout Louisville install reliable electrical protection systems that help prevent costly damage.

Why Electrical Spikes Can Damage Electronics

Modern electronics like computers, televisions, gaming systems, and networking equipment are highly sensitive to sudden changes in voltage. Even a brief spike in power can damage internal components, corrupt data, or shorten the lifespan of your devices.

According to Energy.gov, power surges can originate from lightning strikes, faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or utility grid issues.

Installing proper protection helps reduce the risk of expensive repairs and unexpected equipment failure.

Understanding How Surge Protection Works

Most protection devices use components called metal oxide varistors (MOVs). These components detect excess voltage and safely redirect it into the grounding system before it reaches connected electronics.

Many systems also contain internal safety features such as circuit breakers or fuses that disconnect power during severe electrical events.

One important thing to remember is that protection devices do not last forever. They have a joule rating that indicates how much excess energy they can absorb over time. Once that limit is reached, replacement may be necessary to maintain proper protection.

For additional electrical safety information, the Electrical Safety Foundation International provides helpful homeowner resources.

Electronics That Benefit Most

While nearly any plugged-in device can benefit from additional protection, certain electronics are especially vulnerable to voltage fluctuations:

  • Desktop computers and laptops
  • TVs and home theater equipment
  • Wi-Fi routers and networking devices
  • Gaming consoles
  • Smart home systems
  • Office equipment and servers

Even smaller household appliances may benefit during storms or utility interruptions common in Kentucky weather.

Options for Home and Office Protection

Power Strip Models

These are common in homes and offices and allow multiple devices to be connected at once. Many include USB charging ports and indicator lights that show whether the unit is still functioning properly.

Whole-Home Systems

Whole-home protection is installed directly at your electrical panel to help defend appliances and electronics throughout the property. This option provides broader coverage than standard outlet strips alone.

Rack-Mounted Units

Businesses and server rooms often use rack-mounted equipment designed for structured networking or IT environments.

Is Additional Protection Worth It?

For most homeowners and businesses in Louisville, the answer is yes. Severe weather, lightning, and utility fluctuations can all create conditions that damage sensitive electronics.

A professionally installed system can help:

  • Extend the lifespan of electronics
  • Reduce replacement costs
  • Add another layer of electrical safety
  • Protect expensive appliances and connected devices

Regular inspections are also important to ensure your equipment is still functioning as intended.

Schedule Electrical Protection Installation in Louisville

Laswell Electric Company, Inc. provides professional installation services for homes and businesses throughout Louisville and the surrounding Kentuckiana area.

If you want to protect your electronics

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