As the giving of electronic devices during the holidays becomes increasingly popular, so does the need to protect those electronic devices from destructive power surges. The aging U.S. power grid, in conjunction with an increasing demand for electricity, are resulting in more frequent power outages and power surges which can damage or destroy sensitive electronic devices such as smart phones, tablets, computers, gaming systems, televisions and more. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to protect your sensitive electronic devices from harmful power failures and fluctuations.
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Power Failures
According to data from the Department of Energy, there are approximately 285% more power failures today than there were in 1984. Experts point to increased demand for electricity, an outdated U.S. power grid, and an increase in severe weather across the country as the driving forces behind this significant increase in power failures in the U.S. These power failures can be very detrimental to sensitive electronic devices in a number of ways. Most power failures are preceded by large power surges which often deliver significantly more power to your electronic devices then they were designed to withstand and that damage the device. In addition to the power surge, the unexpected shutdown of your electronic devices can cause significant damage, especially to hard drives, solid state drives and flash memory. Electronic devices can be damaged a second time, when power is restored due to the power surge that result from the power being restored.
Whole Home Backup Generators
One of the ways many homeowners are protecting their homes, appliances and electronic devices from power failures is by installing backup generators for their homes. These generators, typically powered by gasoline, diesel, natural gas or propane, are designed to automatically kick in when they sense a power failure and provide power to your home until power has been restored. In most cases, these backup generator systems are designed to transition your home to and from the power grid seamlessly, helping to prevent power surges or the unexpected shutdowns which can damage your electronic devices. Backup generators come in a number of different sizes, styles and power generating capabilities to meet a variety of needs.
Power Surges
Much like power failures, power surges can occur without warning. In fact, according to a study conducted by IBM, the average U.S. household experiences more than 4 power surges each day. Large power surge of 100 volts or more strike the U.S. an average of once a day. In most cases homeowners may not even be aware of these power surges. All the while these virtually imperceptible power surges are causing considerable strain on the electronics in your devices. In extreme cases, such as a lightning strike, a power surge can inflict unimaginable devastation on a home’s electrical system and the devices connected to it.
Whole Home Surge Protection
In order to provide comprehensive protection for all the electrical systems and components within their homes, more and more homeowners are having whole home surge protection systems installed. Whole home surge protection systems are typically installed between the power line and the electrical panel in your home. Designed to monitor the power coming into your home, these systems can detect power surges, both large and small, and protect your home’s electrical system from damage. In fact, whole home surge protection systems are so effective that most manufacturers will provide a homeowner compensation if they experience damage caused by a power surge.
Outlet Surge Protection
Along with a whole home surge protection system, most experts also recommend homeowners install a second level of surge protection in their homes in the form of a surge protection outlet or power strip. While most whole home surge protection systems protect against power surges from external sources, as many as 80% of residential power surges are a result of power hungry appliances and systems within your home, such as air conditioners or washing machines, cycling on and off. In order to protect your home from these internal power surges, power surge outlets and quality surge protection power strips should be used throughout your home.
