Surge Protector Use Has Grown In The Last 50 Years

Avoiding power surges is almost impossible with how we currently provide electricity to homes and the need for surge protector use has an even greater calling than it did 50 years ago. Surges have always been a regular occurrence, and as technology becomes more and more advanced requiring smaller and smaller components surges in electrical power will become more and more dangerous for our equipment. There is a greater calling for a surge protector now than ever there was. Before the technological boom we are experiencing now, power surges weren't as prevalent a danger. We didn't have cell phones, desktop computers, DVD players or iPods. Microwaves were as large as ovens and the technology within them was unsophisticated at best. Now we have microprocessors that are extremely delicate and as a result are more prone to become damaged in a surge. They can only handle a stable current passing through them.

Some appliances will never need surge protector use because they just don't have the technology in them. Lighting fixtures are a perfect example. The light bulb is an unsophisticated piece of equipment. Not even an LED light bulb requires surge protection. Although I say that now, it could be that eventually even the light bulb will utilize some kind of microprocessor to power it. Computers and other high tech appliances are where surge protection is needed most. The components within them will easily burn out over time as they are bombarded with power surges. Unless there is something between them and the power source to absorb these surges, then you will eventually have to replace them, or make expensive repairs.

The downside to surge protection is that eventually the surge protector will itself burn out. The MOV's, or metal oxide varistors, which conduct heat and attract the surges to the ground mechanism degrade with each surge. Once they no longer function, your equipment will be at risk. So why use a surge protector in the first place? Because of the protection it does afford while it functions. Many devices have indicator lights on them to alert you that they are working properly. As long as your indicator light is on, you are protected. Some surge protectors will have audible alerts. These will keep you more informed than having to remember to check the light regularly.

All of that said it won't make much difference if you have surge protectors on all of your power sources. Unless you know how to use a surge protector correctly and where to use it, you may as well not use one. Remember that your phone lines and cable connections are also vulnerable, as well as your computer modem. Coaxial connectors and phone jack inputs are available on most surge protection devices. Look for devices with these additions for all your surge protector use.