Electrical voltages rise and fall alternately within a circuit, often due to routine tasks like switching appliances on and off.
While most of these fluctuations are mild and innocuous, voltages can also rise dramatically. Depending on the severity, the consequences can be disastrous.
The excessive current flow caused by power surges can overload the circuit, potentially damaging your extension cords and connected electronics.
In certain cases, unchecked voltage surges can cause a gradual degradation of electrical appliances. Other times, the repercussions are instant and crippling.
Adopting a preventive measure is the most effective way to shield your valuable electrical attachments from the dangers of voltage increase. In this post, we examine the role of surge protector extension cords in protecting your household and office appliances from power surges.
What Is A Surge Protector Extension Cord?
Surge protector extension cords are exactly what the term implies – power extenders that are designed with a built-in surge protection device.
Buying a surge protector extension cord allows you to fulfill two needs with one deed. You get to extend the reach of electricity to your appliances while also protecting your electrical circuits from erratic voltage surges.
Difference Between Voltage Spike and Voltage Surge
The terms “voltage spike” and “voltage surge” are frequently used interchangeably. However, they’re quite distinct concepts.
A spike denotes a voltage increase that lasts for less than three nanoseconds, while a surge indicates a voltage increase that lasts for at least three nanoseconds.
Both voltage spikes and voltage surges are temporary. However, surges are typically more destructive due to their longer duration.
What Causes Voltage Surges?
Most voltage surges result from connecting high-power electrical appliances to a circuit.
You’ve probably noticed the lights flickering whenever you turn on the refrigerator, laundry machine, or elevators. That’s due to the sudden demand for electric current triggered by these power-hungry devices.
While that demand is typically brief, it can cause significant damage to other lighter-duty equipment connected to the same circuit.
Another familiar cause of voltage surges is a lightning strike.
Lightning produces millions of volts, which are channeled through the objects it strikes. If a strike occurs near power lines, it can supercharge the circuits and cause an unmanageable amount of power.
Note that voltage increases caused by lightning strikes can easily overwhelm your surge protectors. If you live in a lightning-prone zone, the safest practice is to unplug your electrical appliances during storms.
Other common causes of power surges include;
- Switching between power grids or transformers
- Fallen power lines
- Power restoration after an outage
- Static electricity
- Faulty circuit breakers
What Are The Signs Of a Voltage Surge?
Common signs of a voltage surge in your home include;
- Dimming or flickering lights
- Burning smells or humming sounds around the outlets
- Tripped circuit breakers
- Warm or discolored outlets
- Electronic malfunctions
How Do Surge Protectors Work?
Surge protectors utilize special safety components, such as metal oxide varistors (MOVs) and gas discharge arrestors (GDAs), to channel excess voltage away from an electrical circuit and into the ground. This helps prevent harm to yourself and the connected electronics.
Surge protectors work in the background, monitoring for excessive voltage levels. Any increase beyond predetermined levels is automatically redirected to keep your circuits safe.
Benefits of Using Surge Protector Extension Cords
1. Guards Against Power Surges
Surge protector extension cords are designed primarily to prevent electrical circuits from dangerous power surges. They channel excess voltage away from your devices, preventing appliance breakdowns.
Note that power surges can be sudden and unpredictable. Therefore, you need a device that works continuously to avert any equipment malfunctions caused by erratic voltage increases.
2. Prevents Current Surges
Many surge protector extension cords feature built-in circuit breakers for preventing overcurrents.
Overcurrents are nearly as hazardous as voltage surges. If unchecked, excessive current can cause electrical shocks, fires, and even electrocution. Circuit breakers automatically disconnect the power supply upon detecting an overload in your electrical circuit, minimizing electrical hazards.
Using a surge protector extension cord with built-in circuit breakers provides double protection against devastating electrical incidents.
3. Saves You Money
Surge protector extension cords are considerably more expensive than unprotected cables. However, they’re worth every penny.
Using surge-protected extension cords minimizes the frequency of repairing or replacing your electronics, saving you money in the long run. This is particularly important for high-end equipment like refrigerators, where fixing minor damage can prove quite costly.
Besides, buying a surge protector extension cord lets you enjoy the benefits of two essential electrical attachments. It’s more cost-effective than purchasing a power extender and surge protector device separately.
4. Enhances Your Safety
Electricity claims thousands of lives globally, with many more suffering devastating injuries.
Research suggests that electrical faults cause some 1000 deaths annually in the United States, underscoring the need for extra vigilance.
Surge protector extension cords may not avert all electrical malfunctions. However, they can improve your safety in the event of life-threatening voltage surges.
5. Lets You Connect Appliances in Damp Conditions
As surge protector extension cords emphasize safety, many of these attachments now come equipped with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). GFCIs are devices that prevent electrical shocks by safely channeling electrical current during ground faults.
Ground faults occur when electricity suddenly deviates from the originally intended path, such as flowing through your body while using an electrical appliance. This phenomenon is common while working in damp conditions like the kitchen, bathroom, or outdoors.
Using a surge-protected extension cord with GFCI capabilities can provide an extra layer of protection, enabling you to safely use the cable in all weather conditions.
6. Foster Continuity
Not all voltage surges (or any other electrical disruptions, for that matter) pose significant safety risks. But even if no actual accidents occur, the erratic flickering of lamps or freezing of the television screen is no less annoying.
It’s worse if these minor interruptions occur at the workplace, as they can dampen employee morale and reduce their productivity.
Investing in a surge-protected extension cord not only forestalls major accidents. It also prevents minor electrical issues, fostering a continuous power supply.
Secure Your Valuable Electronics With a Surge Protector Extension Cord
Buying a surge protector extension cord is a proactive way to cushion your property’s electrical circuits from the perils of unexpected voltage spikes.
While surge protector extension cords may come with a higher price tag than regular cables, they’re worth every penny. Powering your appliances through surge-protected systems minimizes the cost of repairing or replacing electrical equipment more frequently.
However, remember to consider other factors besides surge protection when shopping for extension cords. A cable’s gauge rating, GFCI protection, length, and weatherproof capabilities will help you determine its suitability for your needs.
