Imagine this: you’re sitting at home, watching your favourite show on Netflix, when all of a sudden, you hear a loud pop. You walk over to your breaker box and find that one of the breakers has tripped.
In an instant, your peace and quiet are replaced by the sound of a running washing machine—or worse, a broken appliance. You flip the breaker back on and hope for the best, but as soon as you plug in that hair dryer, the breaker trips again.
What you need is a surge diverter. A surge diverter is a device that’s installed between your breaker box and your appliances. It saves your appliances from power surges, which can cause them to overheat or even catch on fire. In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about surge diverters: what they are, how they work, and why you need one.
What Are Surge Diverters?
A surge diverter is a device that helps to safeguard your electronics from voltage spikes. These spikes can occur when there’s a sudden increase in electricity, such as during a lightning storm.
They work by redirecting the electricity away from your electronics and to the ground. This helps to safeguard against damage that can be caused by these voltage spikes.
You need a surge diverter if you want to protect your electronics from damage.
What Are the Features to Look for in Surge Diverters?
If you’re shopping for surge diverters, there are several features you should consider. First, make sure the product has been tested and meets certain safety standards.
Next, make sure the product can handle large surges and is able to detect voltage spikes quickly in order to ensure your device is always protected. You should also look for surge diverters that have replaceable components, including MOVs (Metal Oxide Varistors) and spark gaps. This means that they are easy to maintain and can be replaced as needed without having to purchase a new one.
Finally, you’ll want to choose one that is designed to fit your specific needs. For example, some have additional protection against power disturbances such as brownouts or blackouts, while others may not. So consider what type of protection you may need before choosing a surge diverter.
What Are the Benefits of Surge Diverters?
So what are the benefits of surge diverters? Aside from the peace of mind that comes with knowing your electronic devices are protected, there are several key advantages:
Increased lifespan for your electronics – By preventing voltage spikes and surges from reaching your devices, you’re essentially giving them a longer life expectancy.
Protection from data loss – One of the worst things that can happen to your computer or other electronic device is data loss. Surge diverters can help save your data in the event of a power surge.
Reduced fire risk – A sudden power surge is one of the leading causes of home fires. Surge diverters can help shield your home from this risk.
How Do Surge Diverters Work?
It is a device that is used to protect electrical equipment from damage caused by voltage surges. A voltage surge is a sudden and temporary increase in the voltage of an electrical circuit. Surges can be caused by lightning strikes, power outages, and other factors.
Surge diverters work by diverting the excess voltage away from sensitive equipment and into a safe location. This helps to guard the equipment against damage and prevents costly repairs or replacements. They are an important part of many electrical systems, and they are often used in conjunction with other devices, such as circuit breakers and surge suppressors.
Surge Diverter Installation and Maintenance Guidelines
Installing a surge diverter is not overly complicated, but it does require a few important steps. First, you’ll need to locate the main power line and connect the surge diverter thereto. You may want to add additional support for heavier-duty devices in order to keep them from becoming damaged by vibrations.
Next, you’ll need to install a grounding system for your surge diverter. This is typically accomplished by connecting one end of a grounding cable to the surge diverter and the other end to a ground rod or plate.
Finally, you need to ensure that your surge diverter is properly maintained in order to avoid any potential issues down the road. The best way to do this is by regularly checking that all connections are secure and that all bonding points are tight and have not been affected by weather or heat. It’s also a good idea to replace your surge diverter every five years or so in order to keep your system running efficiently and effectively.
Surge Diverter Safety Tips
When installing and using a surge diverter, it’s important to keep safety in mind. First, be sure that you disconnect the power supply at the main switch before beginning any work. Next, you should inspect all of your equipment for any signs of damage before connecting them. This includes checking for loose or broken parts, frayed insulation, or corrosion.
Once your equipment is connected and ready to go, make sure to employ the correct type and size of wire. If the wiring is too large or small for the application, it won’t properly divert surges and can even result in a fire hazard. Also, be sure that your surge diverter has a ground connection so that excess electricity is safely directed away from sensitive electronics and other structures.
Finally, make sure to regularly inspect your surge diverter for any signs of wear or damage as part of your regular maintenance process.
Why do you need Surge Diverter?
Now that you know how surge diverters work, you may be wondering why exactly you need one. The truth is, surge protectors are essential in order to secure your expensive electronic equipment from power surges, which can cause irreparable damage.
To expand on this idea, there are two main reasons why having a surge diverter is important:
- To guard the longevity of your electronics: A power surge could potentially fry your device’s circuit board and cause permanent damage.
- To save money in the long run: Investing in a surge diverter now will help you avoid costly repairs or replacements down the road.
In short, having a surge diverter is always a smart move for anyone looking to secure their electronics from costly damage and ensure that they last as long as possible.
Choosing the Right Surge Diverter for Your Application
Now that you know how surge diverters work, you probably want to know which one is right for your application. Choosing the right surge diverter is a critical step in ensuring your electrical system remains safe and operational.
When looking for the right surge diverter, the most important factor to consider is the peak current that it can handle. This rating indicates how much current the surge diverter can absorb before it fails. Generally, you should go with a surge diverter that has a higher peak current rating than what your application requires so that it can still function in case of an unexpected power surge.
It’s also worth paying close attention to any certifications or ratings listed on the device or its packaging, as these provide peace of mind that it conforms with certain quality standards. Additionally, you want to make sure that the product comes from a trusted manufacturer and is backed by a warranty period of at least one year.
By taking these factors into account, you can be sure that you’re getting a good quality surge diverter for your needs.
Conclusion
Surge diverters are an important part of any electrical system, and they can be used in both homes and businesses. If you are considering installing surge protection in your home or office, be sure to talk to a qualified electrician to ensure that you are getting the best possible protection for your needs.
In a nutshell, if you want to save your appliances—and your wallet—from unexpected power surges, then you need a surge diverter.
By understanding how they work and reading surge diverter reviews, you can find the perfect model for your home and secure your property from harm.
Common FAQs on Surge Diverters
Q. Can a surge diverter help safeguard my appliances?
A. It can absolutely help! Surge diverters redirect excess electricity from a power surge away from your electronics, thereby protecting them from damage.
Q. Will I see any benefit from a surge diverter?
A. Not only does a surge diverter reduce voltage spikes in your home and make appliances last longer, but it can also lower energy costs by limiting the amount of energy drawn in.
Q. Is installation complicated?
A. Not at all! You just need to decide where to place the unit and have an electrician install it between the power source and your electronic equipment. This is an easy job for a qualified electrician, so you should be able to find someone who can do it inexpensively.
Q. Can I apply a 3-phase surge protector in a single phase?
A. No, the surge protection devices are limited to the voltages for which they are rated. It is recommended that the correct SPD for the application be ordered.
Q. What is surge protection type 2?
A. The primary protection system for all low-voltage electrical installations is Type 2 SPD. It prevents the spread of overvoltages in electrical installations and protects the loads when installed in each electrical switchboard.