I can't stress enough how damaging surge protection myths can be. People often think they don’t need surge protectors because their home rarely experiences power surges. Let’s be clear: even small surges, which occur far more frequently than you might think—often several times a day—can degrade your electronics over time. Believe it or not, over 60% of all power surges are internal, meaning they originate within your home.
Another misconception is that surge protectors are only needed during storms. While it’s true that lightning-induced surges are more destructive, the reality is that everyday activities, like turning on a high-powered appliance, can generate surges too. Take, for example, your fridge or air conditioner—it can cause a spike in voltage that could diminish the lifespan of your valuable electronics. Office buildings, in particular, face this issue because they have numerous devices that can cause internal surges.
Many folks believe once you buy a surge protector, you're set for life. This simply isn’t true. A surge protector’s effectiveness decreases over time. It’s meant to absorb excess voltage, and after doing so repeatedly, it loses its ability to protect. This means you should regularly replace your surge protectors—every two to three years, ideally. In extreme cases, like Downtown Vancouver’s blackout in 2015, many were caught off guard by how quickly their surge protectors failed them when the power came back on abruptly.
Some people think a power strip and a surge protector are the same thing. Let me tell you, there’s a significant difference. While both might look alike, only surge protectors can shield your gear from harmful surges. A power strip merely offers more outlets, but no extra protection. Next time you buy one, look for a UL rating for surge protection; it’ll clearly indicate if it’s built to handle surges.
Not to scare you, but another dangerous myth is that expensive electronics come with built-in surge protection. While high-end devices might have some level of built-in protection, it's rarely enough to combat a severe surge. Companies like Apple or Samsung focus on primary functionalities such as processing power, display quality, and storage, rather than heavy-duty surge protection. Thirty percent of electronic were damaged last year alone due to improper voltage regulation, even though they had minimal internal surge protection. It’s always better to pair your pricey gadgets with a reliable external surge protector.
Imagine you’ve just set up your home office with state-of-the-art equipment. You’ve invested $2,000 in a new computer, $500 in an excellent monitor, and another $300 in peripherals like a printer and speakers. Now think about this: without proper surge protection, a single power spike could wipe out everything in an instant. Replacing that gear would cost not only money but also valuable time—time you could spend growing your business or enjoying other activities.
If you think insurance will cover damages from surges, think again. Most homeowner’s insurance policies don’t cover electrical surge damage. That means you’re left to foot the bill if your devices get fried. Without a proper surge protector, you might end up with thousands of dollars in damages and not a penny from your insurance company to cover it.
Businesses especially need to debunk the myth that only IT equipment needs surge protection. In reality, everything from your office kitchenette’s microwave to your highly-sensitive lab equipment can suffer from voltage spikes. Even a 10-millisecond surge can be enough to disrupt sensitive machinery, costing a company both time and money to repair or replace. Companies like Google or Tesla invest heavily in surge protection across all their facilities, knowing that a tiny oversight could lead to massive operational losses.
Let’s also talk about data. We always hear about backing up our data, but it’s just as crucial to protect the machinery housing our data. Hospitals, for example, rely on patient data for critical care. A surge can disrupt not just the equipment but also lead to catastrophic data loss—an outcome no one wants when lives are on the line. Failure to protect these assets properly could result in not just lost revenue but also lost lives.
The sheer volume of misinformation around surge protection means that many of us underestimate the risk. To prevent these misunderstandings, you need reliable information sources. Experts suggest going to established electronics retailers or certified electricians for advice. For more insights, check out Surge Protection Myths. You deserve peace of mind, and a properly protected home and office can offer that.