Tag: surge protection

Things You Should Know About Surge Protectors

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things you should know about surge protectors

Surge protectors are handy devices that allow for more outlets in addition to increased protection from electrocution. However, if you are still curious about surge protectors, check out this guide by the pros at Roman Electric about all you should know about surge protectors!

What Exactly is a Surge Protector?

All your home devices and electronics are vulnerable to a power or electrical surge. It doesn’t always happen, but when it does it can cause electrical fires as well as electrocution. That is where surge protectors come into play. Surge protectors look like this and are used for two reasons:

  • To provide multiple outlets for multiple devices
  • To protect plugged in devices from high voltage power surges

A surge protector works like a regular outlet in terms of transferring electricity to all plugged-in devices. However, if it senses a surge in electricity, it automatically routes the electricity to the outlet grounding wire.

What is the Difference Between a Power Strip and Surge Protector?

No, not all power strips are surge protectors. Power strips resemble surge protectors and are usually used to create more outlets. Surge protectors add more outlet space in addition to protect your devices.

How Long Can a Surge Protector Last?

Surge protectors are great devices, but they have their limits. Surge protectors can only handle a certain number of joules, which a unit of measurement for energy. Normally, surge protectors can last between 3 to 5 years, however they can be worn out quickly if they face several or strong power surges. It is best to replace them every two years just to be on the safe side.

What Kind of Surge Protector Should I Get?

There are numerous surge protectors on the market, which is why it is important to look for the one that is best for you and your needs. Generally, you should get a surge protector that:

  1. Has Many Outlets

Go for one that has more outlets as you will always need more in the future. If you predict an increase in technology or gear, make sure your surge protector has enough outlets!

  • Has Properly Spaced Outlets

Next, make sure your surge protector has outlets with enough space between them for bigger plugs.

  • Is Portable

If you are a frequent traveler, consider getting a surge protector that is portable. It may not be able to take on as much power but will definitely be more efficient on travel days.

  • Has a Higher Joule Capacity

If your surge protector can handle more joules of power, it is most likely the better option.

Have anymore questions about surge protectors and how they can protect your home and your treasured appliances? Get in touch with the pros at Roman Electric. Our team of experts are highly qualified in all things electrical and would be more than happy to assist you and answer your questions. Call us today at 414-369-3798 or schedule a service with us on our website.

How to Prevent Electrical Overloads

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how to prevent electrical overloads

It’s nearly impossible to enjoy a modern living situation at home without using copious amounts of electricity. Nearly everything we use requires it, so it’s no surprise that we run into electrical problems in what seems like entirely too often. While most of the time these surges aren’t a problem, all it takes is one unexpected jolt to fry your delicate electronics for good.

That’s why it’s important to know how to prevent electrical overloads. If you’re an informed homeowner, you can ensure your circuits never experience this dangerous problem and stay safe and sound. All it takes is some careful adjustments – and perhaps a bit of math sprinkled in – and you’ll be on your way!

To help guide you along, the electrical experts at Roman Electric have compiled a simple list of three ways you can help prevent electrical overloads at home. Don’t worry: they’re safe, easy, and super quick to perform!

What Is an Electrical Overload?

Electrical overloads happen when the amount of power that a circuit is exposed to is greater than the load it can bear. In more conversational terms, imagine trying to carry more groceries to your door than you can pick up. Eventually, those bags are going to break and a problem goes from inconvenient to disastrous.

Thankfully, most circuits involve tripping a breaker when the power load gets too much to bear, so your system has built-in safeguards to prevent really bad problems from occurring.

How Do I Stop Them?

The easy answer to preventing electrical overloads is to simply manage the amount of current that each circuit is responsible for. That’s easier said than done, however. Finding out how much each circuit can carry requires a bit of math.

There should be a number on each circuit that lets you know how much it can hold, and you should aim to take up less than 80 percent of that number. Any higher, and the breaker should trip.

Math Time!

To do that, you’ll need to first see which appliances are plugged in to each circuit. The amperage on all devices should be printed somewhere on them, so you’ll need to do some quick addition to determine how much power is devoted to each circuit.

Once you’ve done that, just compare the total to the amount that each circuit can hold. If it’s too high, then move some plugs around so the levels balance out.

General Tips

In addition to redistributing your plugs, there are a few other ways you can maximize your home’s electrical capabilities.

  • Never overload power strips. They’re not meant to be the central point of contact for a ton of devices, and they can’t handle a ridiculous amount of power.
  • If you need more space, consider installing more outlets. You’ll even out the electrical load and not put as many outlets under such stress.
  • Don’t plug any bigger, central appliances into extension cords – always into the wall. They need to be hooked up directly to the source.

Double-checking your home’s electrical load-bearing ability doesn’t need to be an ordeal. It only requires a bit of re-arranging (and maybe a calculator), but you’ll be safe and sound in no time. Of course, Roman Electric can take care of all the dirty work for you! We can evaluate your home’s condition and determine the best course of action, which includes devising a solution that is created specifically for you.

To learn more about what we can do for you, give us a call at 414-369-3798!