You’ve certainly heard of a surge protector or a power strip before, but you’re not sure what makes one different from the other.
The quickest method to safeguard the electronics in your house is to understand what they are and what they perform.
Let’s discuss them and address any queries you may have.
A Power Strip: What Is It?
You’ve probably seen power strips a thousand times before.
There are several outlets throughout the length of the strip.
It has nothing on the other end and a cable on one end.
The strip provides you with many outlets to power your gadgets once the wire is plugged into an outlet in your wall.
The outlet it plugs into on the wall will power whatever you connect into the outlets on the strip.
A power strip’s main function is to provide you with more outlets for plugging items in.
Who doesn’t like more outlets? It is like to an extension cable on steroids.
Using a Power Strip Too Much
Remember that power strips have a maximum wattage they can support.
A basic power strip may support up to 1800 watts in a normal 120V household (the same as the wall outlet).
If you’re unsure, the power strip’s wattage is written on the bottom side of the strip and someplace on the box.
Too many gadgets that use too many watts plugged in at once might cause overheating, electrical problems, and even an electrical fire.
If you connect in the incorrect sort of device, your device may potentially get overwhelmed.
For the record, floor heaters must never be connected to a power strip.
When you consider the fact that all of this electricity is coming from a single outlet, it makes sense.
Your outlet has a limited amount of energy to supply.
Power Strip’s Principal Uses
Adding extra outlets for plugging devices into is the main application of a power strip.
What happens when you want to plug in three gadgets but there are only two sockets in the standard wall outlets around your home? A power strip is useful in this situation.
A power strip may be present in a variety of locations.
- Around a workplace
- In a shop for goods
- On a building site
- At a house
The ease with which a power strip may be turned on and off is another incentive to utilize one.
A single on/off switch is available on many choices, which will turn off electricity to all connected devices.
It makes it simpler to manage several electrical devices at once.
Let’s discuss about surge protectors now that you are more knowledgeable with power strips.
A Surge Protector Is What?
At first, the concept of a surge protector could seem a bit unclear.
Unbelievably, a surge protector is a sort of electrical outlet that shields your gadget from a surge.
They make use of a customized circuit that sends voltage spikes away from the electrical apparatus and directly into the earth.
It may be compared to a valve that opens only when more than usual electrical activity is observed.
Your gadget won’t burn up if you redirect this electricity.
It’s important to note that the majority of surge protectors function just like power strips and often have the same appearance.
You may connect your gadgets into the outlets, and most often there is also an on/off switch.
However, due to the particular circuit needed to safeguard your gadgets, surge protectors are far more expensive than regular power strips.
A power strip is frequently the default choice since many people believe that because two things are similar in appearance, they must also be similar in function.
Power surges may damage your gadgets, so this is a terrible decision.
An Electrical Power Surge Is What?
When your source of electricity is cut off, there is a power surge.
Your gadgets must always have a consistent stream to function.
A power surge may occur when a large item (such as your refrigerator or air conditioner) is turned on, when lightning hits, or when an object strikes an electrical transformer.
Additionally, the energy supplied by your electric provider isn’t always given in a steady stream.
The amount of energy going to the gadgets everywhere around your house will be momentarily disrupted by any of these events.
When it comes to severity, surges might differ.
A large surge is something like a lightning strike.
Electrical equipment and gadgets may melt, fry, and malfunction during a strong surge.
Without a surge protector, you’ll want the assistance of a qualified emergency electrical contractor.
It often causes permanent harm.
Over time, microsurges and small surges will also cause harm.
Your gadgets’ circuits and wiring will gradually deteriorate before they quit functioning.
It’s comparable to comparing a million punches from a child to one blow from a bodybuilder in that both of them undoubtedly do harm.
This emphasizes how crucial a surge protector is.
Because surges occur far more often than you would think, it protects your electronics from both tiny and big surges.
How Frequently Do Power Surges Occur?
The reality is that your house might experience a dozen minor power surges every day.
Less often occurring major surges typically occur during a thunderstorm.
Many of your electrical appliances are at danger when lightning hits a power line outdoors.
What Electrical Equipment Is Dangerous During a Surge?
A power surge may damage appliances including dishwashers, TVs, laptops, and washing machines.
Any of these gadgets might be irreparably damaged by a strong surge.
You can see how crucial a power surge is by looking at how pricey each of these products are.
An inexpensive surge protector may save hundreds or even thousands of dollars in damage.
Providing you choose the correct one, that is.
The Best Surge Protector to Buy
Surge protectors vary greatly from one another.
They can shield you from up to a certain level of surge.
The amount of energy passing through is quantified by the unit “joules,” which is used to quantify this protection.
Your electronics might still be damaged by a very large power surge if your surge protector is too small.
Since it won’t safeguard your electronics, a surge protector that is too small is essentially just a power strip.
This brings up the primary applications for these protectors.
Primary Functions of a Surge Protector
Any application where a power strip would be appropriate may be utilized with a surge protector.
The difference is that a surge protector will also shield the electronics from an electrical surge.
These are used in both home and business settings.
You may even utilize a commercial-grade surge protector in your house for high-powered items like an air conditioner or a refrigerator.
Before making any home improvements, speak with an electrician so they can expertly install various surge protectors all over the property.
Surge protectors may also be used in your home office.
Consider how often computers, printers, fax machines, and monitors are utilized.
A surge protector will not only keep these pricey items functional, but it will also enable you to plug in several devices in a condensed space.
Although they may seem a lot like power strips, there are several significant distinctions.
The Short Answer: Surge Protectors vs. Power Strips
You may connect a number of gadgets to a single wall socket using a power strip.
A surge protector is a special kind of power strip designed to resist a power surge and safeguard your equipment.
What Sets a Power Strip Apart from a Surge Protector?
You may be curious to know the differences between these two items after knowing more about them.
Don’t worry; we’ll fill you in on everything.
Amount of Protection
The primary difference between the two is the amount of protection you get.
It’s crucial to remember that a power strip provides no extra security.
Your costly TV might be fried and damaged if there is a surge.
All a power strip does is provide you with more plug-in outlets and an accessible on/off switch.
A surge protector is necessary if you want any protection at all.
A surge protector’s goal is to surround the plugged-in devices with a shield of protection.
Cost
Generally speaking, a surge protector costs more than a regular power strip.
Given that it provides some protection, this should be anticipated.
Though there isn’t much of a difference.
A Power Strip Or A Surge Protector: Which Is Better?
There is a lot of overlap between these two things, as you have undoubtedly already realized.
It is difficult to state one is significantly superior than the other because of this.
A surge protector is the ideal choice if you have delicate equipment that you wish to safeguard from power surges.
A power strip will do the trick if you’re seeking for a cheap solution to connect gadgets to a single socket and conveniently toggle them on and off.
However, if you’re prepared to pay a little extra money, a surge protector also works in this situation.
Conclusion
It’s important to understand where to place power strips and surge protectors.
Your pricey equipment might be saved by placing a surge protector in the proper location.
You may always get in touch with us if you need expert assistance.
When you contact Rytec, we’ll examine your property and provide you with professional guidance.
