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Loren Booda
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If a thunderstorm approaches, would you turn off your electronics, unplug them or rely on a surge protector to avoid frying your circuits?
If I were having problems with lightning causing surges on my electrical circuits, I would unplug my computer and maybe TV. But be warned that lighting can get into phone lines or cables providing you internet service. So unplug them also. I had to replace a modem once due to a lightning surge on my phone line.Loren Booda said:Arghhh! A surge knocked out my clock radio just last night. (BIG SNOW!) I've tried unplugging it and plugging it back in. It shows the display "12:00" but will not budge from there. Thank God my computer's OK!
Any suggestions?
Your question was answered almost two month ago in:Loren Booda said:If a thunderstorm approaches, would you turn off your electronics, unplug them or rely on a surge protector to avoid frying your circuits?
A surge protector regulates the amount of voltage that reaches your electronics by diverting excess voltage to a grounding wire. This prevents the voltage from damaging your devices.
When choosing a surge protector, look for one with a high joule rating (at least 600 joules), multiple outlets, and a UL seal of approval. It's also important to consider the type of equipment you will be plugging in and the location where it will be used.
No, power strips and surge protectors are not the same. Power strips do not regulate voltage and do not offer protection against power surges. It's important to use a surge protector specifically designed for this purpose.
Surge protectors have a limited lifespan and should be replaced every 2-3 years, or after they have protected your devices from a significant surge. Look for signs of wear and tear, such as a damaged cord or melted plastic, and replace the surge protector if necessary.
It's important to not overload your surge protector with too many devices. Each surge protector has a maximum load capacity, and exceeding it can cause the protector to fail. It's best to spread your devices across multiple surge protectors to ensure they are all adequately protected.