What is Surge Protection?
A surge protector is a device that sits between your electrical equipment (PC, modem) and the electrical mains (wall socket). It protects your equipment’s power supply from electrical surges. Any power from the mains must pass through the surge protector to reach your equipment. A surge protector regulates the current to connected equipment by blocking “unsafe” voltage. It can be set up in a “strip” or power board form and have several power outlets to plug into.
Why use it?
Components in electronic devices (including computers, modems and home appliances like microwaves) are sensitive to fluctuations in current. Electrical power quality changes frequently and anything over the standard voltage can be called a “spike” or “surge”. Stronger surges will cause damage to your equipment, either immediately or over a period of time.
The time before and after an outage (blackout), especially during a thunderstorm, is characterised by noticeable surges that will effect your unprotected electronic equipment.
While computers typically come with some measure of surge protection built into the power supply unit (PSU), this is nowhere near as robust as a dedicated surge protection device, which may also include line conditioning and data line protection, along with surge protection for several devices.
How surge protection works.
A surge protector works by channelling extra voltage into the electrical outlet’s “ground” wire, stopping it from reaching your equipment, while still allowing the normal voltage to continue.
Where to buy one.
You can find these devices at any good hardware or electrical store, or from national chain electrical and DIY stores, any of these sources can provide advice on what is best for your needs. Some supermarkets may also stock them.
More information
Information courtesy of PC World. View the full Article: http://pcworld.idg.com.au/article/173224/surge_protectors