What Do Surge Protectors Help Prevent In The Workplace?

Increasingly ubiquitous technology makes setting everything up more difficult as a result of the complexity of the process. As the modern world evolves and high-tech becomes more prevalent, it’s better to change with it.

A surge protector should be your first line of defense when it comes to protecting your equipment.  A surge protector is one of the standard items in the workplace.  However, it serves another important function, which is to prevent power surges from damaging your computer’s electronics.

In this post, I will explain why you need surge protectors in your workplace.

What Do Surge Protectors Help Prevent in The Workplace?

Data protection is a priority now more than ever, and surge protectors are one way to do so. Consider investing in these basic and inexpensive security solutions to keep your employees and data safe.

An electrical surge occurs when voltage increases significantly above the designated level due to an increase in current flow. Voltage above a certain level is dangerous, and a surge protector prevents your electronics from being damaged by surges.

Power strips aren’t just for adding outlets; surge protectors protect your electronics against power surges that can permanently damage them. Check out how surge protectors and power strips protect your appliances and data below. 

Using power strips 

Employees use a variety of computers and other devices in the workplace, and each one is powered by a cable or cord. You can ensure that your electric cords are safely connected by utilizing a power strip, which is both easy and cost-effective.

Using power strips allows additional devices to be powered simultaneously while preventing cords from becoming tangled or cluttered in such a way that employees may trip over them. 

You can read the comparison between a surge protector and a power strip to get an idea of which one should you use in your workplace.

Using Surge Protector

To avoid electrical surges damaging your employees’ computers, mobile devices, or other essential components, make sure that your employees’ workspaces are equipped with surge protectors.

A high-quality protector can resist a wide range of damage sources, including fire, rust, and blunt impacts.  While a surge protector cannot save your equipment from a direct strike, it can certainly prevent damage from voltage fluctuations caused by a nearby strike. These are fantastic tools for damage prevention, but they don’t last forever.

Also, they keep your equipment safe by taking the brunt of power spikes, so they do, unfortunately, wear down over time. Old and damaged surge protectors are fire hazards in and of themselves, so be sure to replace them once they start showing some wear and tear.

Luckily, many surge protectors feature an LED indicator that lets you know the functionality level of your device, so keep an eye on it over time.

How Does a Surge Protector Save the Workplace?

Surge protectors pull power from one outlet and pass it on to the devices plugged into them. It has a metal oxide varistor, or MOV, that diverts any extra voltage to keep your power on. A MOV operates similarly to a pressure-sensitive valve. It reduces its resistance when it detects high voltage levels.

The resistance increases if the voltage level is too low. Upon activation, it redirects excessive voltage. Two semiconductors connect a MOV to your power and grounding lines, including metal oxide. A semiconductor’s resistance changes when voltages are high or low because electrons move in semiconductors differently under different voltage conditions.

An extra layer of safety at the Workplace 

Surge protectors are not the only safety measures you need to follow at your workplace; you must follow a few extra measures as well.

  • It is advisable to install GFCI outlets near sinks and other wet areas, like water coolers, restrooms, or garages. As well as detecting ground faults within circuits or devices, these devices provide warnings as well. You may be overloading your circuit if you are constantly resetting your GFCI.
  • Whenever your hands or equipment are wet, don’t use electrical equipment or appliances. Be careful not to use them on wet surfaces or near water.
  • You should only use equipment that’s certified by UL, CSA, or ETL. You should use devices and cords according to their intended use – for example, offices and homes vs. factories, indoors or outdoors, or with specific power limits.
  • Don’t ignore warning signs. Immediately disconnect any item that emits a strange odor, makes an unusual noise, feels hot, smokes, or sparks. Make sure you cover or guard any exposed wires or electrical components.
  • You’ll save energy and reduce your risks of electric shock and fire by unplugging appliances when not in use. Before servicing or repairing your machine, unplug it.

A Few Considerations While Using a Surge Protector in the Workplace

  • Be sure to look for a UL-rated surge protector and features such as indicator lights. 
  • To receive the full benefit of surge protection, keep surge protectors unconnected.
  • Surge protectors from some manufacturers have an indicator light that will indicate if there is a problem with the device. 
  • In the case of desktop computers, UPS devices, also known as battery backups, can replace surge protectors.
  • It is still necessary to use a surge protector to protect these devices from spikes in voltage when charging their built-in power supply. 

Lastly, people don’t follow the proper protective practices for workplace devices very often. Using them mitigates the risk of expensive damage since maintenance is minimal.

The only thing you need to take action, such as installing a surge protector. Furthermore, to have a surge protector, make sure yours is well suited to your needs. 

[The post updated by Palash Talukder]

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I'm Bobby Taylor, a tech lover, writer, and editor for Smart Home Protector. I am also a customer relationship officer of a well established electronics manufacturer company in the United States.

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