Understanding Surge Arrestors: One-Time Protectors for Electrical Safety
In today’s day and age, we rely heavily on electronic devices, from smart TVs and computers to motors and washing machines. Our homes are filled with appliances that make life easier. However, these devices are vulnerable to sudden power surges that can cause irrevocable damage. This is where surge arrestors come into action.
What are Surge Arrestors?
Surge arrestors, also known as surge protectors, acts as a protective device designed to safeguard your electrical equipment against voltage spikes. Like a guardian, interposed between your appliances and a sudden inflow of power. These devices work by diverting excess voltage into the ground instead of your electronics, thus ensuring that your gadgets remain undamaged.
The One-Time Use Nature of Surge Arrestors
It is important to know that surge arrestors are normally good for only one major surge. Once they have absorbed a high voltage spike, they may no longer provide protection. Think of a them like a sponge—it can only soak up so much before it becomes saturated and ineffective.
Why Only Once?
The reason surge arrestors can handle only one significant surge is because of their internal makeup. Inside, they contain metal oxide varistors, MOVs. MOVs absorb the excess voltage that comes in. Once the MOV reaches its capacity, it degrades and no longer provides protection.
How to Know When to Replace Your Surge Arrestor
Unlike most other electronic devices, they do not have a distinct indication when they’ve expired. More advanced models do have an indicator light that shows their status, but many models do not. Therefore, a replacement should be made after a major surge event or periodic replacement every couple of years depending on how often surges take place in your area.
The Cost of Not Replacing
Failure to replace a spent surge arrestor may have great consequences. Most of a power surge may not be absorbed, and hence your sensitive electronic equipment is not protected and may be completely destroyed. By contrast, the cost of replacement is very minimal.
Protect your precious electronics from surges by having your surge arrestors checked and replaced periodically. This saves you from huge costs in repairs and replacements later on. Remember, better safe than sorry!
