Importance Of Using Surge Protectors For IT Equipment

importance-of-using-surge-protectors-for-IT-equipment

Electricity is without a doubt one of the most important inventions of the modern industrial age. Powering the lights in our homes to our computers and mobile devices, electricity has become the backbone of modern life. However, electricity can be very dangerous – especially when not handled properly. Capable of destroying every piece of technology you own if exposed to it directly, electricity can bring instant disaster if handled improperly. So how do we protect our expensive equipment against such damage?

Well, surge protectors of course! Surge protectors are designed to be the “bulletproof vest” of your technology, absorbing and dissipating any excess electricity that may occur. These devices act as a “traffic cop” of sorts, ensuring that electricity is directed in the safest and most effective manner possible. Without these protectors especially for your Melbourne home, electricity can cause untold amounts of damage to your valuable computers and every other electronic you own.

Still not convinced that surge protectors are necessary?

Enlisted are 4 good reasons why you should purchase a surge protector today.

What Are Surge Protectors

Essentially, surge protectors are small devices that connect to electrical wires and prevent surges of electricity. Designed to sit between an outlet and a piece of equipment (laptop, computer, etc.), surge protectors are essential devices that ensure your expensive electronics are safe from any damage caused by excess electricity.

How Surge Protectors Works:

To understand how a surge protector works, you must first understand the underlying concept of how a surge protector functions. Essentially, surge protectors absorb the excess electricity that cannot be dispersed by a connected outlet. This electricity is then transferred away from your equipment, protecting it from power surges and spikes. Surge protectors are essential devices in this regard, ensuring that your electronics are protected against damaging voltage.

belkin-surge-protector What Happens if I Don’t Use a Surge Protector?

If you are still on the fence about surge protectors, let’s take a look at what happens when you don’t use one. If you are not using a surge protector to protect your expensive electronics, then you are effectively leaving your electronics open to severe damage that can occur due to a supper electricity spike. What’s the worst that can happen? Well, for starters, electricity can destroy your electronics. Surges can destroy the circuitry and delicate hardware within your computer. Our technicians have noted that if a PC or laptop is affected by a surge, it may freeze or show any of the common PC issues listed here.

Buying a Surge Protector

Surge protectors just like every other electrical component have specific rating numbers on them. This signifies the maximum amount of voltage that the device can handle. This is the single most important factor that needs to be considered before buying a surge protector.

The most typical voltage ratings that you will see on a surge protector are 500, 600, 700, 800, and 1000 joules. Higher not always mean better. It really depends on the device that you need to be protected.

If you want to protect a circuit from heavy power spikes or surges, then higher joule ratings will be better. If you just want to protect against minor voltage fluctuations, then lower joule ratings will be more than enough.

If you are in Melbourne, you can get them from your local Bunnings or Officeworks.

Conclusion

Overall, surge protectors are absolutely essential to the protection of your valuable electronics. Surge protectors are the “bulletproof vests” of your technology, protecting your valuable and expensive equipment from any damage caused by excess electricity. So, if you haven’t already, you should consider purchasing a surge protector to protect your expensive equipment.

Author:
I am a computer engineer holding a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, complemented by a Master's in Business Administration from University of Strathclyde, Scotland. I currently work as a Senior IT Consultant in Melbourne, Australia. With over 15 years of...