Protecting Electronics: Surge Protection, Power Boards and UPS

Technology is both brilliant and unreliable. Despite all of the advancements, something can always go wrong.

Maybe it’s as simple as a phone battery that stops charging, or a blackout that forces you to pull out the candles. It’s an inconvenience no matter what, that’s for sure. Yet what would happen if it legitimately impacted your electronic devices?

If you have a legitimate gaming or streaming setup, home office or even a home theatre, you don’t want to risk losing it all. A power surge could take that all away, causing you to not only lose work but possibly have to replace costly equipment.

To avoid this, you need protection. You need a clear understanding of the equipment out there that could save you time and money. That’s why we’re here to talk about surge protection.

Who Should Be Worried About a Power Surge?

First things first, let’s outline what a power surge is. As stated by Ausgrid, power surge occurs “when the flow of electricity is interrupted, then started again, or when something sends electricity flowing back into the system.” 

Essentially, something either interrupts the flow of electricity or there’s a spike in the charge. Lasting about one-thousandth of a second, it truly is a blink and you’ll miss it moment. 

Power surges are not a common event but could happen at any time. The most common causes vary, including serious events such as lightning strikes or damaged power lines. Smaller causes include faulty household appliances or damaged home wiring. 

However, it’s not just a sudden excessive disruption to the power supply that could compromise delicate electronics. In Australia, mains voltage operates at 240 volts (V) and 50 hertz (Hz). Not all appliances run at the same voltage or require 240V. 

Due to ordinary fluctuations in power supply, the life of household appliances could be shortened. While it may not be as serious as a power surge, the fluctuations certainly could require additional protection.

Power Boards and Surge Protection

The average household contains about $15,000 worth of electronic equipment and appliances. If there was a serious power surge, just think of the forced expenses when replacing electronics. The numbers will increase even more if electrical wiring has to be updated.

That’s where surge protection comes in. There are two options, including the installation of surge protection devices in a switchboard. In this case, you must contact a licensed electrician, however, the alternative option is all up to you.

Power boards are a common sight in offices and homes across Australia. When available power outlets just aren’t enough, the power board offers between 2-12 more sockets in one convenient location. That’s a massive bonus.

But there is a potential downside. Overloading a socket could overwhelm an electrical circuit, especially in an older home. Meanwhile, not all power boards come with inbuilt surge protection. And if your home was left exposed, you can say goodbye to your electronics if there was a major spike in the charge flowing through your walls.

Therefore, always look out for power boards with high quality surge protection. The basic $10 power board from the supermarket should not be on your list if you have an elite gaming setup. You want a proper level of protection. So, invest now and save for the future.

Don’t worry, though. A quality 8 outlet surge protector power board, or surge suppressor, still sits around the $50 mark on average. You can have peace of mind without too much fuss.

UPS Tower Protection

For an additional level of protection, consider opting for an uninterrupted power supply, or UPS. It’s easily one of the best barriers against unsafe charge and surges and perfect for a big home electronics setup. 

A UPS is a continual power system that kicks in when the main power source fails, which could occur during a blackout. The emergency power supply ensures there’s enough time to either safely switch off a computer and finish an existing task. You can preserve unsaved work and avoid the stress of a sudden shutoff. 

Some UPS systems can also safely shut down your computer or electrical equipment on their own.

Small office UPS systems, which are about the size of a small modern motherboard, also have in-built surge protection. Alongside voltage regulation and battery backup, it’s a triple threat. Long term usage also helps smooth out any natural fluctuation that could otherwise be unknown to the average person.

Therefore, if you’re invested in your electronics, make sure your equipment is protected. Don’t leave anything to chance. Whether it’s a surge protected power board, UPS or surge protected switchboard, take the time to invest.