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There is a common misconception that the main cause of an electrical power surge is from a lightning strike, but that is not always the case. While lightning can be a cause, the fact is that all electrical grids sometimes experience surges, with some more prone to them than others.
Surges can have catastrophic consequences for electrical equipment, resulting in irreversible damage and increased downtime. With many network cabling set-ups containing valuable hardware such as computers, servers, media centres and other appliances, such consequences can have hugely detrimental effects on a business.
Installing a surge protector is therefore an essential part of safeguarding your system.
Great technology doesn't last forever
Many people seem to think that once a surge protector is installed, it will effectively safeguard your system forever. However, although many models rely on intricate, state-of-the-art technology, they are nevertheless vulnerable to wearing out.
Many surge protectors work by absorbing excess voltage into a metal oxide varistor (MOV) so your electronics don't take the hit. However, with each electrical hit, the protective MOV begins to degrade over time and once it is gone protection is no longer possible.
In an ideal world, companies would know when their surge protection was wearing down to dangerous levels and replace them accordingly.
Unfortunately though there is no real way to tell when it needs to be replaced, meaning that periodic replacement is often the best way to go.
So, when should you consider a replacement? Think back to when it was first used. If, for instance, you cannot remember when you bought and installed it, then it's probably a sign that it should be thrown away.
Similarly, if you are aware that your system has had to contend with a particularly large hit, then it is probably worth looking at purchasing a replacement.
How to choose your surge protection
Recognising the need for a replacement is only one part of safeguarding your system from surges. You need to find a model that is right for your business.
Firstly, always buy a model with the right number of ports. Never assume that every surge protector is made up of six or eight ports, as some contain as many as 12.
Some companies underestimate their needs and then end up 'daisy-chaining', which in itself can cause harm to your firm's infrastructure.
Indeed everything that gets connected to your surge protector should be closely looked at, as although it is tempting to go all out and just buy the most expensive, it does not always result in owning a protector that is appropriate for the equipment you're using it for.
Energy absorption ratings can also vary from the model to model, so think carefully about how much demand your system will place on a surge protector and act accordingly.
Many models will mention a 'clamping voltage', which is the amount of voltage that will help to trigger the surge protector. The lower the value, the more protection it offers. Small values are obviously important when it comes to response time too.
