Our world’s digital landscape is always expanding, and technology has become a necessity. People rely on their electronics to complete work, academics, and everyday tasks. Nothing worse than damaging your electronics during a power surge, leading to replacements or repairs. Damage to any electronic is costly which is why it is critical to protect your electronic devices and appliances. Surge Protective Devices (SPDs) are crucial to install in residential, commercial, and industrial environments to protect all electrical systems and devices from power surges.
What Is a Power Surge? Understanding Electrical Surges
A power surge occurs when there is an increase in electrical voltage to a unit’s power system. They often occur during storms. In addition, power surges can result from:
- Lightning
- Faulty Wiring
- Power Outages
- Short Circuits
- Electrical Overloads
- Large Appliances
When a power surge occurs, all plugged-in electrical equipment and appliances are at risk of being damaged or overheated. To prevent this from happening, it’s essential to have a surge protective device installed in your home or business’s electrical system.
Milton Electric’s Pro Tip: To prevent a power surge from damaging your electrical appliances during a storm, ensure all electronic devices and appliances are unplugged.
What Are the Different Types of Surge Protective Devices?
Type 1 Surge Protective Devices
A Type 1 Surge Protector Device (SPD) is permanently connected to your home’s electrical panel which can be found in your basement or utility room. It’s often installed between the secondary of the service transformer (the lower voltage side) and the line side. Type 1 surge protector devices are versatile and can be used in commercial, industrial, and residential buildings. They can withstand large electrical surges, protecting an entire home or building.
Type 2 Surge Protective Devices
A Type 2 SPD is installed at distribution panels and acts as a second backup to any power surges that pass through the Type 1 Surge Protective Device. Like Type 1, a Type 2 SPD is ideal for commercial, residential, and industrial buildings. To have these SPDs installed, reach out to your local electrician. The primary function of a Type 2 SPD is to provide secondary protection from any power surges and limit any significant costs or repairs.
Type 3 Surge Protective Devices
A Type 3 SPD is often called a “point of utilization SPD,” meaning it is installed directly in the appliance or electrical equipment it’s trying to protect. These power surge protective devices are standard in residential settings and homes to safeguard larger household appliances and electronics. They can protect your TV sets, computers, video game equipment, and other expensive technology or electrical equipment.
Examples of Type 3 Protective Devices
- Surge Protector Receptacles: These are installed in homes and offices to protect important electrical devices and technology like computers and TVs.
- Plug Adapters: Plug adapters are ideal for those who frequently travel and for those who need more outlets. They can allow multiple electronic devices to be plugged into different outlets, making it multifunctional.
- Protective Plugs: These plugs serve a crucial role in protecting electrical devices from voltage spikes or surge absorption. By preventing any damage, they ensure the safety and longevity of electronic devices and appliances.
Type 4 Surge Protective Device
Type 4 SPDs are not usually built into electrical equipment and instead require installation. A Type 4 SPD needs to be installed by a certified electrician as it involves installation inside electrical components or panels. These are found in industrial and commercial settings commonly used for HVAC systems and control panels.
Milton Electric’s Pro Tip: Surge protectors should be replaced every three to five years as it’s common for them to experience wear and tear since they are consistently absorbing electrical surges. If not replaced, you then risk damaging your electrical equipment.
Benefits of Surge Protective Devices and Why You Need Them
Surge Protective Devices (SPDs) offer many benefits to safeguard your home, including:
- Cost Savings: If your home or business frequently experiences power surges, investing in the appropriate surge protector devices will reduce the costs of any damage to your electrical system or electrical devices.
- Environmental Benefits: Surge Protector Devices help reduce electronic waste because they help extend the lifespan of your electronics promoting environmental sustainability.
- Fire Prevention: Power surges can cause wiring to overheat in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, increasing the risk of electrical fires. By installing a surge protector device, you are reducing the risk of electrical fires from developing.
- Electrical Protection: A surge protector device is designed to prevent damage to your electrical system and appliances. SPDs protect your expensive electronics and are especially useful for those who work from home or require a large load of electricity daily.
Choose Milton Electric for Surge Protective Device Installation in the Baltimore-Metro Area
Selecting the right SPD for your needs depends on factors like the level of electrical protection you need and the type of electrical equipment you want to protect. Surge protective devices require expert and professional help, making the team at Milton Electric perfect for the job. If you are considering installing a surge protective device, contact Milton Electric to get started on your project today.