Why You Should Replace Surge Protectors Periodically
A decent surge protector is an essential piece of equipment in any office or entertainment center. They don’t last forever, though, so make sure you take your time and clear your momentum from time to time to protect your electronics.
Surge protection devices work by absorbing excess voltage in a metal oxide varistor (MOV) so your electronics don’t take a shock. The protective MOV degrades depending on how much it is absorbed over time, and once that is done, there will be no more protection. As Chris Hoffman of How-To Geek explains, their lifespan is measured in joules:
Each surge absorbed by your surge protector reduces the amount of future joules it absorbs. If this 1000 joule surge protector can withstand a 1000 joule shock, that’s enough. But this is also done if it takes ten hits of 100 joule – or if it takes a thousand hits of one joule. This is all cumulative … It’s all about how many joules your surge protector has absorbed. But the older your surge protector, the more likely it is to deteriorate.
So how do you know if your surge protector has become a regular power strip? Unfortunately, you cannot know for sure. Some overvoltage protection devices have indicators that can alert you that no protection is available, but it can still be dangerous if it’s an old unit, even if the lights are on. If it’s really old – for example, you don’t remember when you bought it – it probably doesn’t protect you and you should throw it away. If you know your surge protector is badly damaged, you should probably throw it away as well. If not, a good rule of thumb is to replace them approximately every two years. Just make sure you have a good one . To find out more, follow the link below.
Why (and when) the surge protector needs to be replaced | How-To Geek