We all know surge protectors are important. They help protect our precious electronics from power surges that can fry them beyond repair.
But what happens when a surge protector gets old? Does it stop working as well? Do surge protectors wear out?
The answer may shock you, but the truth is that surge protectors can wear out.
Every surge protector has a specific amount of voltage that it can absorb before it dies. This number is called its “joule rating” (a joule is a unit of energy).
If a surge protector is hit with a few spikes of voltage that add up beyond what it can absorb, the surge protector will no longer be able to protect any devices that are connected to it.
Surge protectors usually have anywhere from 400 to over 2,000 joules. The higher the joules rating, the more it can absorb and the better.
For example:
If you have a surge protector with 1000 joules and it takes a 500-joule hit, it has 500 joules worth of protection left. If that same surge protector with 1000 joules was hit with 10 100 hits, it would no longer offer any protection going forward.
Besides a limit to the number of hits a surge protector can take before it no longer offers any protection. There are a few other things that can cause a surge protector to stop working properly.
One is simply age; over time, the internal parts can become corroded or damaged. Another is heat; if a surge protector gets too hot, it can trip and stop working. And finally, physical damage can also render a surge protector useless.
So, the protection surge protectors offer can wear out, rendering them useless. If you suspect your surge protector isn't providing the protection it once did, it's best to replace it with a new one. That way, you can rest easy knowing your electronics are safe from power surges!
And how can you tell if your surge protector is still working properly?
Well, most of them come with an LED indicator light. A blinking light or one that no longer lights up is usually an indication that the surge protector is no longer functioning fully and should be replaced. But you should check the owner's manual for your device to be sure.
Conclusion:
Surge protectors are an important part of keeping your electronic devices safe from power surges. The protection surge protectors offer, measured in joules, can wear out, rendering them useless.
If you suspect your surge protector isn't providing the protection it once did, it's best to replace it with a new one. That way, you can rest easy knowing your electronics are safe from power surges!
