Most people have some sort of expensive appliance. Maybe it's an HD television. Maybe it's a top of the line computer. Or perhaps an expensive, sleek refrigerator with all the latest doodads. Whether we use them for work or play, at home or in the office, all of these devices use electricity - and electricity can not only power these appliances, it can ruin them.
Things like lightning strikes, power outages, and sudden spikes in the electrical grid can cause expensive damage to that high definition television, or your new laptop. If you want to save money in the long run by protecting your appliances from any electrical damages, and potentially save your home from electrical fires that might start as a result, it acts now and by the surge protector.
Here are some of the reasons a surge protector is an excellent idea:
1) It can protect your electrical appliances from spikes in electricity that could damage their circuitry (and potentially ruin them).
2) A surge protector works as an electrical regulator, making sure that a steady and healthy stream of electricity reaches your devices.
3) Computers aren't just a bunch of circuits. They also contain hard drives. If you want to save the data on your computer from being wiped out of existence, a surge protector will help protect your precious photos, financial records, and that novel you've been writing for years.
4) There's no need to unplug all your devices when you don't need them. Surge protectors have a single off button that can shut off all appliances and devices currently connected to the power strip.
5) Because it acts as a regulator for electricity, surge protectors can also help keep electrical bills down. And of course they also keep down the bills for any appliances that need to be replaced because of electrical surges!
6) Electrical spikes don't just fry circuits. They can also cause fires in electrical appliances. Thus, surge protectors have the added benefit of protecting other non-electrical things in danger from fire: your home, your family, and you.
There are other bonuses as well. Newer models of surge protectors incorporate various enhancements such as USB drives and connections for telephone lines, fax lines, and ethernet ports. These are devices too that can be damaged by errant spikes and electricity, and should be protected as well. So not only is a surge protector something that can protect your television from short-circuiting, but is also capable of recharging your iPod, too!
If you've spent thousands on a home theater set-up, the latest computer, or a gaggle of kitchen appliances that would make the Iron Chefs swoon with envy, you probably want to think about another $50 or $100 to make sure a power spike doesn't turn your precious possessions into expensive scrap metal. Many higher-end surge protectors come with insurance policies that cover any damage that occurs to your equipment if a power spike somehow does manage to fry that plasma TV (provided the TV is plugged INTO the surge protector, of course). Sometimes these policies cover well over $100,000, depending on the price of the surge protector. Not all carry this warranty, so read the descriptions of what is available when you do purchase a surge protector.
