We have such a large number of gadgets today and they nearly all have sensitive electronic components particularly for our entertainment and computing equipment. We are told that we need to protect that equipment for Electrical surges from our mains power supply. The easiest and most convenient way is to buy a Surge Protected Power Board … However, not all surge protectors are alike, and some even put your gadgets at risk. So what is the Difference between a Surge Protected Power Board and a plain power board? Firstly, not every power board is a surge protected power board. It may sound basic, but it’s a fundamental piece of knowledge you’ll need. While a power board just splits your outlet into multiple ports, a surge protector is designed to protect your computer, TV, and other electronics against power surges and any interference or noise on your power line. Power surges may not be an everyday event, but they’re common enough that they can damage your equipment. What to look for: Look for a Label that states its Surge Protected and also look for a led light on the board which indicates that it the Surge Protection is working when the board is plugged in. This will act as a check if there has been major surge event in the Mains power supply. If the led light goes off the Surge protection may be blown and it will indicate that it is no longer working even though the board is still supplying power to connected devices. Buy one with right number of outlets they come in typically 6,8,12 outlets (this avoids connecting many boards together compromising your protection and potentially overloading power to appliances from the power-point.) DO NOT buy single a single outlet device they are usually cheap and provide poor protection your expensive appliances. Do not connect High current appliances to a Surge Protected power Board they are designed for sensitive Low Power Devices (Tvs, DVD Players, Game Consoles, Hi-fi, Computer Devices etc) for example, do not connect Kitchen appliances, Air Conditioners, Tools and Workshop equipment to a Surge Protected Power Board Always check the design specifications
- Energy absorption/dissipation – This rating, given in joules, tells you how much energy the surge protector can absorb before it fails. A higher number indicates greater protection. Look for a protector that is at least rated at 200joules. For better protection, look for a rating of 600 joules or more.
- Clamping voltage. The clamping voltage is the voltage that will trigger the surge protector—or essentially when the surge protector wakes up and starts absorbing energy. Look for something around 400 V or less. Lower is better here. Finally, see if response time is listed in the product details—it’s good to know, and lower is better
- Response time – Surge protectors don’t kick in immediately; there is a very slight delay as they respond to the power surge. A longer response time tells you that your computer (or other equipment) will be exposed to the surge for a greater amount of time. Look for a surge protector that responds in less than 20 nanoseconds.
- As mentioned before,It is best to look for a Surge protected board with an indicator light that tells you if the protection components are functioning
Importantly: Make sure you’re informed before you buy, and read the back of the box or the product details before you buy anything. You don’t want to invest in a surge protector only to find out that it’s far too weak to protect your devices, or it’s a surge protector in name only. Remember, the most expensive is not always the best. The best thing to do is figure out what you need to protect and buy accordingly.
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At Tested and True …We test Safety Switches as well as other electrical testing services. We come to your work place at a time convenient to you. We can do an assessment of your Electrical Hazards it can be conducted at the same time as we test and tag your Electrical Equipment. We provide a Full Report with recommedations to clear up current Hazards and how to prevent future risks. Call and ask for a quote. 040 7605568 Tested & True ~ test & tag Adelaide uses the very latest in Portable Appliance Testing…The STC ProLogger 2 it can perform RCD testing, Earth Leakage Detection and Run Testing all in one neat piece of equipment. On top this all our Technicians are Trained to National Standard UEENEEP008 in test & tag operations by Intertag in Sydney NSW, all our Equipment is in good repair and in Calibration. Most of all we pride ourselves on our Knowledge of OH&S legislation and the current Australiand Standard AS/NZS 3760:2010 ensuring that you get Quality Service at a competitive price. Call Now Mobile 040 7605568 Visit us at http://www.testedandtrue.com.au or our Newsletter http://testedtruenewsletter.blogspot.com/ Peter Hill Manager , Tested & True ~ test & tag Adelaide April 2014