A surge protector strip attempts to limit the voltage supplied to an electric device by either blocking or by shorting to ground any unwanted voltages above a safe threshold.
Sensitive electronic equipment that should be protected by point-of-use surge protectors:
- Television, VCR, etc.
- Personal Computer
- Fax Machine & Calculator
- Home Automation System
- Stereo Equipment
- Modem
- Microwave Oven
- Alarm Clock
- Electronic Telephone
- Printer
- Security System
Ensure that the outlet the surge suppressor is plugged into is properly wired, with a good ground.
Safety Measures:
- Check your surge suppressor regularly to make sure it is working. If the light is out, replace the surge protector.
- Do not plug a surge suppressor into an extension cord.
- Do not plug one surge suppressor into another one.
- Do not use a surge suppressor if it smells hot or burned.
- Do not plug a surge suppressor into a circuit protected by a ground fault current interrupter (GFCI).
- You can further protect your appliances by making sure all the appliances you use on the same electrical circuit are compatible. For example, do not use your hairdryer on the same breaker or circuit as your personal computer. Because computers are so sensitive, you might want to reserve a circuit just for the computer.
Also, a battery backup system, generally referred to as a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) can provide additional in-home protection for home computers and peripheral equipment. This unit supplies power through a battery to protect against electrical outages, giving you enough time to power down the equipment safely. You may purchase a UPS in a range of configurations, depending on the amount of equipment used and the length of battery time needed.