How a Surge Protector Works

If you’ve got appliances and devices in your home that are really valuable to you, it’s likely you’ve already invested in a surge protector. When you have electrical devices in your home, especially larger ones like a T.V. or refrigerator, you’ll want to protect it from the potential dangers of excess electricity. Just how exactly do we do that? We use surge protectors to channel out excess electricity away from the devices and towards the home’s grounding path. But, just how exactly does a surge protector work? We’ll discuss all of the ways using a surge protector in your home can be beneficial. If you’re interested in electrical services or would like for our team to do a safety inspection of your electrical wiring, give us a call at HomeOps Electric today.

How Do Surge Protectors Divert Excess Electricity?

When too much electricity enters your electrical system, it can cause your devices to start burning up. Excess electricity is a fire hazard and it can permanently damage your devices and your home. When power lines are damaged or lightning strikes, excess electricity can enter your electrical system. If a surge protector is not in use, this can mean permanent damage for your appliance and a fire hazard for your home. When a surge protector is in use, it diverts this excess electricity to your home’s grounding wires. Once voltage reaches a certain point, the surge protector kicks in and safeguards your wiring and appliances. To manage this excess voltage, surge protectors use metal oxide varistors (MOV) and gas discharge arrestors, which allow devices to continue working while diverting the excess energy away. At HomeOps Electric, we value the safety and satisfaction of our customers. That’s why we’re available around the clock, each day of the week, even on holidays and weekends. Get in touch with our team by phone or online!

Stay Grounded

If you have an older home, it may not have an updated electrical wiring system. Surge protectors are not effective in older style homes unless they have had an electrical system update. Without an electrical wiring update, even the top quality surge protectors can’t help divert the excess electricity because the home doesn’t have proper grounding for excess electricity to go. Older homes can have faulty, outdated, and even damaged electrical wiring. If you suspect your home may not have proper electrical wiring or grounding, it’s important to get in touch with an electrician who knows how to get your system working safely and properly.  It’s important to have a properly installed and properly functioning electrical wiring system in your home for your devices to work as they should, without the risk of a fire hazard. At HomeOps Electric, we’ll take a closer look at your electrical wiring system to ensure your safety and satisfaction. Our dependable electricians are equipped with the tools and knowledge to get your electrical system installed and working safely. If you’d like to schedule an appointment with our talented team at HomeOps Electric, give us a call or schedule online today!