A surge protector is an essential electrical device that protects electrical equipment from voltage spikes and power surges. Power surges can commonly occur due to lightning strikes, power outages, or even when large appliances are turned on and off. This can lead to damage to electrical devices, which can be expensive to replace. Therefore, using a surge protector is advisable to protect your electronics.
How Does a Surge Protector Work?
A surge protector works by diverting excess voltage away from the connected devices and grounding it. A typical surge protector consists of a metal oxide varistor (MOV) and a thermal fuse. The MOV is a component that conducts electricity under normal conditions but will divert voltage spikes away from your devices when necessary. The thermal fuse is designed to cut the power to the MOV if it gets too hot, thus helping to prevent fires.
There are two types of surge protectors: the portable surge protector and the whole-house surge protector. The portable surge protector is a plug-in device that can be used to protect single or multiple devices. The whole-house surge protector is installed at the main electrical panel and provides protection for the entire house.
Surge Protector Breaker Wiring Diagram
The proper wiring of a surge protector is crucial, as the device must be correctly connected to function correctly. The diagram below shows the wiring of a surge protector breaker:
| Wire Color | Connection |
|---|---|
| Black | Connect to the breaker |
| White | Connect to the neutral bus |
| Green | Connect to the ground bus or to a grounding wire |
The black wire of the surge protector should be connected to the breaker, which is connected to the hot bus bar in the electrical panel. The white wire should be connected to the neutral bus. The green wire should be connected to the ground bus or to a grounding wire. The ground wire is there to protect you from an electrical shock.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between a surge protector and a circuit breaker?
A surge protector is designed to protect your electrical devices from voltage spikes and power surges. A circuit breaker is designed to protect an electrical circuit from overloading and short circuits. While both devices are used to protect against electrical damage, they have different functions.
What is an MOV?
An MOV is a metal oxide varistor, which is a component that conducts electricity under normal conditions but will divert voltage spikes away from your devices when necessary. They are commonly used in surge protectors.
Can I install a whole-house surge protector myself?
No, it is not recommended to install a whole-house surge protector yourself. It should be installed by a licensed electrician to ensure that it is wired correctly and safely.
Do surge protectors wear out?
Yes, surge protectors can wear out over time due to repeated voltage surges. It is recommended to replace surge protectors every two to three years to ensure that they are still functioning properly.
Can a surge protector protect against lightning?
A surge protector can protect against some lightning strikes, but it cannot protect against a direct lightning strike. It is recommended to use additional lightning protection if you live in an area prone to lightning strikes.
