What is a surge protector outlet?
A surge protector is a type of electrical socket that – believe it or not – protects your device from a surge. They use a specialized circuit that redirects spikes of electricity right into the ground without going through the electrical device.
Are there surge protected outlets?
Instead of using bulky surge protector strips, you can now install a point-of-use surge protection receptacle to protect appliances and electronics from voltage spikes.
How do I know if my outlet has 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.
Do surge outlets protect downstream?
Yes. But you can’t put more GFI’s downstream if you do this. Just use “regular” non-GFI recepts. Just be aware that if you fault any of the downstream recepts to ground, the GFI will pop and kill ALL the plugs downstream.
Do Cheap surge protectors work?
Those cheap surge protectors are little more than power strips for more outlets. If they do offer any suppression ability. They’ll keep working once the suppressor bit has worn out leaving you totally unprotected. A good quality surge strip stops functioning once the surge protector mechanism has burned out.
Should you put a surge protector on a refrigerator?
We do not recommend connecting a refrigerator or freezer to a surge protector. The compressor is sensitive to temperature and current overloads, and will shut itself down with a surge. A surge protector will override this system, and if there is a power surge, your refrigerator may not restart.
Should I use a surge protector?
You should definitely use a surge protector with your computer. It is filled with voltage-sensitive components that a power surge could damage very easily. It’s a good idea to use surge protectors for other high-end electronic equipment, such as entertainment center components.
Can I plug an extension cord into a surge protector?
Extension cords must be plugged directly into wall outlets. Do not “daisy chain,” that is, plug extension cords into surge protectors or other extension cords (see photo 9 below). Never use a damaged extension cord.