Dealing with a power outage is bad enough, but imagine if some of your appliances and electronics never turned back on once power was restored. A power surge, a sudden increase in voltage in a home’s electrical system, can damage or destroy any device that relies on electricity to operate. This possibility includes having a refrigerator and microwave oven in the kitchen, a washer and dryer in the laundry room, and even televisions and computers throughout the house. A power surge resulting from a severe storm accompanied by lightning can create an expensive inconvenience.
One of the best ways to protect your devices is to use a surge protector. Often confused with a power strip that allows multiple devices to receive power from a single outlet, a surge protector is a safety device that protects electrical and electronic equipment from damage such as overheating and burning circuits, which can occur during a power surge.
However, surge protectors deteriorate over time, eventually rendering them ineffective. This can damage or destroy your devices. We spoke to several industry experts to find out how to tell if a surge protector is working properly, where to dispose of surge protectors, and other steps you can take to protect valuable equipment if a surge protector fails.
Why is it important to check your surge protectors?
Surge protectors can help protect electrical appliances. “Good surge protection is vital because it helps you protect home electronics, especially as homes become more electrified,” says Dan Carnovali, director of expertise centers at Eaton, an international smart energy management company that provides electrical solutions for homes. “Many homes can have upwards of $20,000 in electronic equipment, including refrigerators, HVAC systems, televisions, and much more if you own an electric car, which means you could be at risk,” says Carnovali. A large transient current or voltage surge. .
Edward Mirzoyan, CEO of Restorerz-Emergency Services in California, has seen how devastating storms can be when surge protectors fail, so he urges all homeowners to check their surge protectors regularly and replace them as needed. “This simple habit can help prevent major damage from power surges and keep your home safe and secure, giving you that really important peace of mind,” he says.
Make sure that what you are looking at is actually a surge protector and not just a power strip. It’s important to understand that not all power strips have surge protection, Carnovali says. “Power strips with surge protection should have indicator lights that let you know your devices are protected,” he says. “Otherwise, power strips simply allow you to plug more things into a single outlet without providing surge protection.”
How to tell if your surge protectors are working properly
Lightning protectors typically last 3 to 5 years, but frequent repairs can shorten their lifespan, says Tim Hodnicki, president of Electrical Experts, an electrical company in Easthampton, Massachusetts. That’s why it’s important to monitor them to make sure they’re working properly, especially after the storm has passed and power has been restored.
Hodnicki suggests checking the indicator light first. “If the light is off or blinking, it probably means the device is worn out and can no longer protect against power surges,” he says. Also look for signs of damage such as burn marks, melted plastic, or a strange burn-like odor. “These could indicate that the protector has taken a sudden hit or has overheated and can no longer provide reliable protection.” Also, if you notice any humming noises or unusual sounds from your surge protector, it may mean that its internal components are damaged and need to be replaced.
Another red flag is if any connected devices start working erratically or turn off. This may mean that the surge protector is no longer working. “If you’re ever unsure, contacting an electrician for a professional inspection is a good option, as we can confirm whether your surge protector still has the capacity to handle surges,” Hodnicki says.
Where to dispose of dead surge protectors?
If all indications are that your surge protector is no longer working, you will need to safely dispose of it and replace it with a new one as soon as possible. Do not throw it in the regular trash. “Like other electronic equipment, a surge protector should be recycled at the end of its life,” says Carnovali. “This equipment includes copper and other materials that can be recovered, which promotes a circular economy,” he says.
“Many local recycling centers accept e-waste and provide designated drop-off points for electronics such as surge protectors,” Hoenecke points out. He also suggests checking with stores like Best Buy and Staples, which have electronics recycling programs and usually accept used or broken surge protectors for free.
How to protect valuable equipment if a surge protector fails
It’s always a good idea to have a backup plan in case a surge protector doesn’t do the job. Look for a surge protector with an automatic shut-off feature to prevent the device from losing power when it is not working.
To enhance safety, consider setting up a whole-home surge protection system installed on the main electrical panel to prevent damage to wiring throughout your home as well as appliances and home electronics, Mirzoyan recommends. “It’s a solid investment that provides more comprehensive protection for your important equipment like TVs and computers — especially if you live in an area prone to regular storms. This step can save you the hassle and cost of repairs or replacements in the future.”
Another option is to install an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) with built-in surge protection that provides a backup battery to keep equipment like your computer running long enough until you can shut it down properly.
Practical gifts they will love
