A surge protector is a device that often allows multiple electronic devices to be plugged into it in order to allow more device usage from one power outlet and to stop a power surge from damaging the electronic equipment. They come in a variety of styles and with different levels of protection and features. Due to the variations in surge protectors, there naturally are cheap surge protectors and there are expensive ones.
A power surge is considered to be a large increase in the flow of electrical current. The standard voltage that normally flows into a house or building is 120 volts. Any random flow of energy above that standard voltage is considered to be a power surge when it lasts above three billionths of a second. The level of the surge can vary because electrical currents act much like other substances that react to pressure and force. The greater electrical force pushes towards the weaker one, so the level of the surge will be directly impacted by the strength of the force pushing the current.
A surge has the potential to permanently damage electronic equipment depending on the severity of the surge. Even regular miniscule power surges can eventually ruin equipment, because over time the wiring and components will take heavy abuse and wear from the added electrical pressure. A power surge can be caused by a lightning strike, although this is actually a rare occurrence. High power electronic devices such as large appliances or industrial equipment like elevators are the most frequent cause of power surges. When these devices activate they absorb a great amount of power which can cause a disruption to the normal flow of energy.
Surge protectors seek to stop these surges from damaging the equipment plugged into them. Often, cheap in wall surge protectors work by funneling a power surge into the central grounding wire of the plug. The energy diversion occurs through a metal oxide varistor. This part contains two semi-conductors that essentially activate like a valve when a surge occurs. The valve to the grounding wire opens during a surge, and stays closed during normal current flows. More expensive models may use different surge protection methods, but this is the most common.
Modern equipment, such as computers, are very susceptible to damage from power surges. The reason for this susceptibility is due to the tiny components and wiring present within them. Computers use processing chips that only work under a normal energy flow and can be damaged irreversibly by a slight disruption. Smaller less intricate devices may not need surge protection. The cost of the surge protector to the benefit of not having a device damaged is the equation that must be used in determining which devices need a surge protector.
The best cheapest surge protectors offer basic protection and cost around $5 to $10. Average surge protectors will cost around $20 and offer a higher level of voltage protection. The more expensive models will run at $40 to well over $100. These offer the highest levels of protection, normally will include protection for coaxial cables and phone lines, and will usually come with a protection guarantee from the manufacturer.
Surge protectors are never 100% effective, but they do add additional protection to sensitive and expensive power equipment. A power surge can happen for a number of different reasons and do not need to last long to inflict damage on electronics. A cheap surge protector and expensive ones alike seek to minimize those damages.
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