Table of Contents
Is a surge protector a power supply?
A surge protector is a device that sits between the mains and your computer and provides a very fast cut-off if the voltage spikes to an unsafe level. A power supply in a desktop computer takes mains voltage (110v in the US) and converts it into DC voltages at various levels (12v, 5v, 2.5v, whatever is required).
What is the main purpose of a surge protector?
A typical surge protector passes the electrical current along the outlet to number of the devices plugged into the power strip. If the voltage happens to rise above the acceptable level, the protector will divert the extra electricity into the outlets grounding wire.
What does power surge protector mean?
What Does Surge Protector Mean? A surge protector is an electrical device that is used to protect equipment against power surges and voltage spikes while blocking voltage over a safe threshold (approximately 120 V).
Do you need a surge protector if you have a UPS?
A UPS delivers second-level protection against surges; it should never be considered a primary surge protection device. In order for your electronic devices to continue to function even if power is unavailable, you need a UPS, and often a backup generator.
Is a UPS the same as a surge protector?
Surge Protector vs UPS While a surge protector functions like a power strip, uninterruptible power sources (UPS) work like temporary back up power. UPS devices work independently, providing power when the main power supply fails. A UPS protects users as well as devices during disrupted power.
What’s the difference between a surge protector and a power strip?
A power strip gives you the ability to plug multiple devices into a single wall outlet. A surge protector is a type of power strip which is specifically designed to withstand a power surge and keep your electronics safe.
What is the difference between a circuit breaker and a surge protector?
Surge protectors protect electrical equipment from voltage spikes. While circuit breakers protect wires from starting a fire due from too many amps (amount of electrical current), surge protectors protect your appliances from power surges, which is a brief spike in voltage (electrical power or force).
How can you tell the difference between a power strip and a surge protector?
How can you tell the difference? Surge protectors will have a rating in Joules of energy showing the maximum voltage it can handle from a power spike. You can find those numbers on the box or strip itself. If there are no numbers listed, it is just a power strip.
How do I know if I have a surge protector?
If you flip the device over and read through the fine print on the back, you may see a “suppressed voltage rating” or similar specification. If you see anything that refers to “protection” or “suppression” on it, the device you have in your hands is a surge protector.
Does my computer need a surge protector?
You should definitely use a surge protector with your computer. It is filled with voltage-sensitive components that a power surge could damage very easily. Computers are very expensive items, and the data they hold is often irreplaceable, so it’s only good economic sense to invest in a quality surge protector.
Should I use a UPS or surge protector for my PC?
A surge protector as the name implies, protects your equipment from power surges. A UPS also provides power to cover short outages. We recommend a UPS for your desktop especially if you live in an area with poor power. Most consumer UPSs these days have both Battery Backup outlets and Surge Protected only outlets.