Can surge protectors wear out? It is imperative to periodically check out your surge protectors to ensure whether it is working correctly or not? If you fail to do so, you may damage your equipment. Below are some valuable things to look out necessarily for when inspecting or installing your surge protector:
- 1. If the protected indicator light of your surge protector is Off. Then it may still be functioning as a power tap, but it will no longer provide surge protection to your device. And this can lead to heavy damage to your equipment once your surge protector encounters another power surge.
- 2. You should always use your surge protector with a properly grounded outlet.
- 3. Using an extension cord or plug adapter with your surge protector will automatically void all warranties.
Do Ungrounded Receptacles Affect Surge Protectors?
In some of my previous posts, you’ve likely read my experts’ team mention the presence of “ungrounded” outlets. That is in offices, homes, and buildings. But what makes an ungrounded outlet such a negative one? Are they dangerous? So Jeostorm’s certified electricians come to you today with answers. For the most critical questions about ungrounded outlets!
What Qualifies As an Ungrounded Outlet?
You can quickly identify the ungrounded outlets by simply glancing at the top face of the outlet (where you insert things in). Almost in all modern homes, you see there three holes. Two are the vertical slits, and the rest is roundish. And that one is located beneath the pair of vertical ones. Now, you can observe that it’s a grounded outlet. And which has been mainly required by electrical safety standards for all types of equipment and structures since the mid-1960s.
So, ungrounded outlets lack the third hole. And the roundish one on the lower portion. Where the, somewhat obviously, the ground plug goes.
Is an Ungrounded Outlet Dangerous?
Is it dangerous in that it may sometimes jump out and bite you? No. Is it dangerous? Because it dramatically increases personal and property risk. Yes, absolutely. Ungrounded outlets increase the chance of:
Electrical fire. Without the ground present, errors with your outlet can cause arcing. And sparks and electrical charge. So that can spawn fire along walls or nearby costly furniture and fixtures.
Health hazard. Ungrounded outlets present a genuine risk of shock to persons. That is operating the electronics and appliances plugged into the outlet.
Property loss. So Ungrounded outlets can short out equipment, rendering your favourite appliances and tools worthless—messy wiring, It will also make the surge protector wear out faster. And many older homes, it’s not uncommon to find a mixture of grounded and ungrounded outlets. This indicates piecemeal electrical work has been done in the past. And can be a clear sign of severe electrical problems or can cause many in the future.
Difference Between Surge Protector and Power Strip
Many people don’t know the difference between surge protectors and power strips. You can go to my blog to see the particular explanation of this article. If you don’t have a surge protector installed in your home, you can choose a power strip with built-in surge protectors. Many surge protectors often look like a power strip, but not every surge protector is a power strip. Not only does it act as a power strip to power multiple electrical devices at the same time, but it also protects your devices from sudden voltage fluctuations and surges. Due to the electrical sensitivity of electronics, they are more susceptible to power spikes or outages.
If a power spike occurs and your device is not connected to a surge protector, potential damage could result. Even if the surge protectors wear out, there is nothing to worry about, after all, you can directly replace a power strip. In the event of a power spike, a surge protector protects your equipment by blocking or limiting any excess voltage that exceeds a safe threshold limit. Even if the surge protector of the power strip is worn out, there is nothing to worry about, after all, you can directly replace a power strip
This compact power strip surge protector with 3 USB-A ports, 2 AC outlets and a wireless charger can be attached to your desk without punching holes. Internal 300J surge protection keeps your device safe from voltage spikes. It comes with a 5ft cord and has ETL certification.
This versatile small surge protector power strip with USB can power six devices simultaneously, has an AC outlet on both sides, 3 USB ports on the front, a QC port, and a USB-C port for your devices. Fast charging, with a wireless charger on the front, 300J surge protection inside, and PC flame-retardant material for the outer shell to protect your safety.
