Do Surge Protectors Go Bad? 3 Red Flags to Be Aware Of
If you’re considering installing surge protectors or already have them in place, you might be curious about how long they’ll last. So, do surge protectors go bad? Get ready to find out. In this guide, we’ll walk you through when to replace your surge protectors and offer helpful maintenance advice. At Lenhart Electric, we pride ourselves on delivering reliable residential electrical services, and we’re excited to share our expert knowledge with you.
What is a Surge Protector?
A surge protector is an essential device for protecting your home electronics, such as televisions and computers. It helps regulate voltage and shields your equipment from damage during power surges, like those caused by lightning storms. This added safety is one of the best surge protector features and can give you peace of mind, making them invaluable assets in your home.
How Does a Surge Protector Work?
Wondering about surge protector lifespan and just what makes these unique devices tick? Surge protectors use metal oxide varistors (MOVs) to absorb and divert excess electrical voltage during power surges. This process helps prevent damage to your devices and ensures that your outlets remain in working condition.
Do Surge Protectors Go Bad Over Time?
Surge protectors can serve you for many years, but it’s crucial to remember that they do degrade over time. The MOVs within them gradually lose their ability to absorb excess voltage after each surge, reducing their effectiveness. Regularly check your surge protector and replace it when it no longer provides dependable protection.
3 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Surge Protector
Keep your devices safe by learning when it’s time to switch out your surge protectors.
1. Visible Damage to the Surge Protector
If you think your surge protector may need to be replaced, it’s wise to inspect it carefully. Look for any obvious damage, such as burn marks, cracks, or melting. If you spot any signs of overheating, like discoloration or distortion, it’s a clear indication that it’s time to make the switch.
2. Device Won’t Work Properly or Causes Power Loss
It’s important to keep in mind that a compromised surge protector is no longer effective when it comes to protecting your devices. If you notice your electronics aren’t working or if they’ve suffered damage during a surge, it’s one of the clear signs that a surge protector is bad.
3. Indicator Light Turns Off
Most surge protectors come with a built-in indicator light to show you if they’re still operational. If the light is off, it may signal that the protector is faulty or that surge protector lifespan has been reached.
How Long Do Surge Protectors Last?
Still wondering about surge protector lifespan? Surge protectors generally last anywhere from three to five years, although this can depend on how frequently power surges occur in your region. If surges are common, the lifespan of the protector could be reduced, so it’s important to monitor its condition regularly.
How to Maintain Your Surge Protector for a Longer Lifespan
Get surge protector maintenance tips to keep all your devices safe.
- Opt for a surge protector with an indicator light: When selecting a surge protector, look for one that features an indicator light, allowing you to easily verify whether it’s functioning correctly.
- Unplug during intense storms: To avoid overloads caused by lightning strikes or significant surges, unplug your surge protector during severe weather.
- Consider a whole-house surge protector: If you experience frequent surges, live in a storm-prone area, or deal with power grid instability, installing a whole-house surge protector at your electrical panel can prevent surges from reaching your appliances.
How Can You Replace Your Surge Protector?
How often you should replace your surge protector depends on a few things. As a general guideline, it’s a good idea to replace your surge protector every three to five years or after a significant power surge. To replace it, unplug the old one and connect your new surge protector in its place.
If you’re curious about the best surge protector features, the joule rating is an important factor to consider. A surge protector with a higher joule rating, ideally around 1,000 joules, can last longer because it has more capacity to absorb energy before it wears out. For added convenience, you might also want to explore surge protector models that come with USB ports.
Looking for professional electric services? Reach out to Lenhart Electric. We serve several locations throughout Central Florida, including the cities of Wildwood, Ocala, and Leesburg, and we’re here to get your surge protectors installed safely.
Trust Lenhart for Your Home’s Surge Protection!
High-quality surge protectors can make all the difference when it comes to keeping your devices safe. If you’re ready to upgrade to whole-house surge protection, get in touch with Lenhart Electric. We’re proud to offer residential electrical services you can count on and we’re ready to help with all your home’s needs.