How does a surge protector stop a power surge?
A surge protector uses components that sit between the incoming power and your equipment. When voltage rises above a safe level, they conduct the extra energy away, usually to the ground wire, so the connected device sees a much smaller spike. That is why a good ground matters.
The main component is usually a metal oxide varistor, which acts something like a pressure relief valve. It does little at normal voltage and conducts when voltage jumps. Each time it conducts, a small part of it wears away, which is why protectors age.
A strip plugged into an outlet with no ground, or a faulty one, has nowhere to send the energy. Older homes with two prong outlets are a common example. An electrician can check outlet grounding, which is a separate issue from the surge device itself.
Why do some electronics still fail after a storm?
Electronics can still fail when a surge exceeds what the protector can handle, when the protector was already worn out, or when the surge arrives through another path such as a cable, phone or network line. A protector only covers the connections that actually run through it.
A common miss is the data line. A television plugged into a strip but also connected to a cable or antenna line can take a surge through that second path. Keep connected cables running through the same protected point where you can.
Monsoon storms also cause outages followed by rough power returns. Unplugging sensitive equipment during a nearby storm is still the surest way to keep it safe, though it is not always practical when you are away from home.
Does a whole house surge protector work better than a power strip?
A whole house surge protector handles larger surges before they enter the home wiring and covers hardwired equipment like the AC, but it does not replace protection at the device. Each does a different job, so the best results come from using them together.
Whole house units reduce the size of the incoming spike considerably, though some energy still passes through. That leftover is what the point of use strips deal with, along with surges created by motors inside the house.
Installation quality matters. Short, direct leads at the panel and a sound panel ground make the unit work better. This is licensed electrician work, and the panel condition is checked first. Never open a panel to check on a unit yourself.
How do I get the most out of a surge protector?
Buy a unit that states its protection rating and shows an indicator light, plug it into a properly grounded outlet, and replace it after a major surge or storm. Pair it with a whole house unit if you want protection for the AC and other hardwired equipment.
Do not daisy chain strips or plug one strip into another, which overloads the first and can create a fire hazard. Keep strips off carpet and away from heat sources, and do not cover them with fabric or furniture.
If outlets feel warm, buzz or smell of burning, stop using them and call a licensed electrician. A surge protector cannot fix failing wiring. Vortech handles licensed electrical work across the West Valley, including whole house units at the panel.
More questions: Surge Protection: 12 Most Asked Questions Answered