 The Shock Doctors Progressive Electrical Services Ltd |
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Writing your Prescription for Electrical Safety Jan 2012 |
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PAST NEWSLETTERS
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Greetings!
This is the third and FINAL article of this series. If you have followed my last couple of articles, I am sure that you feel you should be receiving a diploma from the University of Surge Protection.
With more than $8000 of equipment controlled by electronics in the average home, internal surge protection - protection at the outlet- is a critical step in looking after these investments.
Let me tell you how....
Terry Carman
Chief of Staff
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| Surge Protection | |
When you bought your computer, you likely purchased a surge bar or UPS (uninterrupted power supply with built-in surge protection) to make sure that your computer was protected from damage caused by brief increases in voltage called surges. This was an excellent decision as a significant surge can wipe out your hard drive erasing all your files, and give, you a pounding headache of frustration.
You may remember, that there are two sources of surges- external and internal ones. External ones- meaning they originate outside your house - are almost always large. It is necessary to guard the wiring entry points to protect yourself from external surges.
Meanwhile, internal surges are a normal occurrence, happening as frequently as 10-20 times per day in your home. Does normal mean they are no big deal? NO. |
| What Are Internal Surge? | |
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Like termites in wood, Internal surges wreak havoc on tiny electronic components |
Internal surges are caused when large electrical equipment such as furnaces, air conditioners refrigerators, workshop equipment, or pumps from hot tubs or wells cycle on and off. This creates sudden, brief demands for power, upsetting the steady voltage flow in your electrical system and sending small surges of electricity through anything plugged in.
These surges can be compared to termites. The sheer numbers of these small surges wreak havoc by nibbling away at the microprocessors, one bite at a time, weakening the fine electronic infrastructure until they fail! |
| What types of equipment need to be protected? | | |
Your computer needs protecting for sure, and FYI -your laptop does not have built-in surge protection- but what else do you have with electronic components?
Microwave ovens, high end fridges and freezers, entertainment systems, digital washer and dryers, printers and faxes , cellphones being charged, coffee and bread makers to name a few (on average about $8000 worth). |
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Proper protection | |
To shield your electronic investments from internal surges, place a surge protector where you plug them in. These come in a variety of options but three common elements of effective surge protection remain the same:
- Devices should be/say UL 1449 (version 3) Listed
- They should have two indicator lights: one to verify the device is working and one to verify that the receptacle it is plugged into is properly grounded.
- The ground system must be working. - If the receptacle is not grounded, your surge device is just a really expensive plug-in multi-outlet.
Save money on phantom power by using surge bars with total shut-down features for entertainment units and office equipment.
Proper surge protector receptacles with an audible alarm are available for microwave ovens, fridges and other areas where you are unable to see the indicator lights. |
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Surge Packages | |
Because of the importance of surge protection, we have developed several packages designed to save you money while protecting your electronics from internal and external surges.
Although the electronic components of your equipment are most delicate in nature, they have no moveable parts and with the help of correct surge suppression they should be one of the last items to wear out - not the first! Surge protection helps your electronics enjoy a long and happy life.
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Special for Newsletter Subscribers ONLY | |
January and February ONLY!
Receive ONE ADDITIONAL SURGE BAR with manual shut-off, that has eight surge protected plug sockets, phone/fax/modem protection and audio/video protection (regular $248) when you have Invincible or Bulletproof protection installed throughout your home. |
| Do you have a question for the Doctor? | |
 If you have a question about the health of your electrical system or would like to investigate a little "plastic surgery", ask the doctor: Click and send your question to info@theshockdoctors.ca.
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We wish you a year of bountiful health and happiness.
Cheri
The Shock Doctors |
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And finally this month, Ask the Doc... | |
Dear Doc:
"I've noticed there's an increasing amount of Ove Glove commercials on TV. One of their claims is you can grab a light bulb while it's on. Is it really wise to touch a light bulb while it's on??
Am I the only person who turns off the light to changes bulbs? Would there be a safety recommendation to exchange bulbs while TURNED OFF despite what a chef or homemaker demonstrates on TV? Thanks, Matt
Dear Matt,
You make a very valid point. It IS dangerous to exchange bulbs while the power is turned on at the fixture. A flaw in the glass can cause the hot glass to shatter in your hands. Also, if the replacement lightbulb is defective, it can blow apart as the electricity hits the filament injuring the unsuspecting bulb exchanger.
Same thing when changing a fuse... Always make sure the main power is off in case the glass on the fuse shatters from a dead short in the circuit, and ALWAYS, ALWAYS exercize extreme care when replacing a fuse. Power in an electrical panel is MUCH higher than that at your plugs. Be alert, and meticulously careful to not touch anything but the fuse itself!
Excellent observations Mi Amigo! |
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