What kind of surge protector do I need for appliances?

What kind of surge protector do I need for appliances?

A surge protector with 1000 to 2000 joules will provide sufficient protection for refrigerators, washing machines & dryers, office equipment, and power tools. Consider the highest joule rating (2000+) for expensive gaming consoles, home theater systems, and any computer that stores important data.

How do MOV Surge protectors work?

A surge protector contains metal oxide varistor, or MOV, which diverts any extra voltage to ensure devices receive a consistent power level. The MOV works like a pressure-sensitive valve. When the MOV detects high voltage levels, it reduces resistance. If voltage levels are too low, it increases resistance.

Are there different types of Surge protectors?

The different types of surge protectors include whole-house surge protectors, surge protector strips and wall-mount surge protectors. Some types have a battery backup, providing an uninterruptible power supply. Most surge protectors use a Metal Oxide Varistor, or MOV, to divert excessive voltages.

Do I need surge protector for kitchen appliances?

However, surge protectors are a good idea if you have an off-grid power system or use a generator. These are much more prone to sudden surges, so surge protectors are needed, especially with appliances that are more sensitive to surges, such as computers and medical equipment like CPAP machines.

Is it OK to plug a refrigerator into a surge protector?

Refrigerator and freezer. These appliances pull too much current for a power strip because they are continuously cycling on and off. That will quickly overload a power strip. These items need to be plugged directly into a wall outlet dedicated solely to that appliance.

How do I know if my power strip is a surge protector?

How can you tell the difference? Surge protectors will have a rating in Joules of energy showing the maximum voltage it can handle from a power spike. You can find those numbers on the box or strip itself. If there are no numbers listed, it is just a power strip.

What do you need to know about surge protectors?

A simple MOV surge protector with line conditioning and a fuse. A standard surge protector passes the electrical current along from the outlet to a number of electrical and electronic devices plugged into the power strip.

How does the MOV work on a surge protector?

In this way, the MOV only diverts the surge current, while allowing the standard current to continue powering whatever machines are connected to the surge protector. Metaphorically speaking, the MOV acts as a pressure-sensitive valve that only opens when there is too much pressure.

How much derating is needed for a surge protector?

The effective surge energy absorption capacity of the entire system is dependent on the MOV matching so derating by 20% or more is usually required. This limitation can be managed by using carefully matched sets of MOVs, matched according to manufacturer’s specification.

Why does a circuit breaker shut off a surge protector?

The circuit breaker shuts off a surge protector power strip during a sustained power overload, to protect both connected devices and the surge protector itself. GFCI protection involves a system that automatically shuts off power when it detects a short circuit, reducing the risk of electrical fire.