How to Safeguard Your Electronics in Emergencies
Surge protection is a crucial aspect of prepping, especially for those who rely on generators during power outages or emergencies. Here’s how to incorporate surge protection into your preparedness plans:
Importance of Surge Protection in Prepping
Power Reliability:
- In emergency situations, a generator can be a lifeline. Protecting it ensures you have a reliable power source when you need it most.
Protection of Equipment:
- Preppers often invest in valuable equipment—like refrigerators, medical devices, and communication tools. Surge protection prevents damage, ensuring these items remain functional.
Financial Investment:
- Generators and electronics are significant investments. Surge protection helps safeguard this investment, avoiding costly repairs or replacements.
Tips for Preventing Power Surge
Select the Right Generator:
- Review generator selection guides to pick the best generator for your individual prepping needs. Consider selecting a generator with ample additional capacity
- Choose a generator with built-in surge protection features or compatibility with external surge protection devices.
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Choose a Generator with 20-30% Extra Capacity:
- Aim for a generator that provides 20-30% more capacity than your calculated needs. This buffer helps accommodate sudden power surges and ensures the generator runs efficiently without straining.
Residential AC Soft Starter
An Air Conditioner soft starter is a device designed to gradually ramp up the voltage supplied to an air conditioning (AC) unit or other motor-driven appliances. This controlled startup helps to reduce the initial surge of electricity that typically occurs when the motor starts.
How It Works
When an AC unit starts, it draws a significantly higher current (known as inrush current) than it does during normal operation. A soft starter mitigates this by:
1. Gradual Voltage Increase: Instead of applying full voltage immediately, the soft starter slowly increases the voltage to the motor, allowing it to start smoothly.
2. Reduced Mechanical Stress: By controlling the acceleration, it minimizes mechanical stress on the compressor and associated components, prolonging their lifespan.
3. Lower Current Draw: During startup, the soft starter limits the inrush current, which reduces the overall load on the electrical system.
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Benefits of Using a Soft Starter with Generators
Preventing Voltage Spikes
When an AC unit is powered by a generator, the sudden inrush current can cause voltage spikes that may damage sensitive electronic components in both the generator and the AC unit. A soft starter helps to prevent these spikes by controlling the startup process.
Enhancing Generator Lifespan
Generators are often not designed to handle high inrush currents continuously. By using a soft starter, you reduce the strain on the generator, enhancing its operational lifespan and reliability.
Stabilizing Power Supply
With a soft starter, the startup of the AC unit becomes more stable, reducing the risk of tripping circuit breakers or damaging electrical components.
Install a Whole Home Surge Protection Device (SPD):
- Invest in high-quality surge protection devices that can handle the voltage levels of your generator and connected devices.
To protect the electrical devices in my home, I decided to install the Square D Schneider Electric Surge Protection Device (HEPD) with a surge capacity of 50kA. Understanding the risks posed by power surges—whether from lightning strikes, utility switching, or other sources—I wanted a reliable solution to safeguard my appliances and electronics.
Additional Surge Reduction Strategies
Smart Power Strips:
- Use smart power strips that can automatically cut power to devices when they go into standby mode or when they detect surges.
Surge Suppressor Plugs:
- Plug sensitive devices into surge suppressor plugs or strips designed to absorb voltage spikes.
I recently started using the Clamper™ Single Surge Protector Outlet for all my appliances at home, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision. With so many valuable devices, I wanted to ensure they were protected from power surges, and this surge protector has exceeded my expectations.
The installation was straightforward, and the compact design fits seamlessly into my outlets without blocking others. I love the peace of mind it provides, knowing that my appliances, from my refrigerator to my entertainment system, are safeguarded against unexpected surges.
I highly recommend it to anyone looking to protect their home electronics effectively!
Battery Backup Systems:
- Incorporate uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) for critical equipment to buffer against sudden voltage drops or surges.
Circuit Configuration:
- Design your circuits with separate breakers for high-startup devices to isolate them from sensitive equipment.
Cable Modem and Internet Surge Protection Devices
Often, surge and voltage transients can affect your electronic equipment from additional sources. Consider installing Cable Modem and internet gateway surge protection.
I experienced a lightning surge that unfortunately damaged my cable modem, leaving me frustrated and disconnected. To prevent this from happening again, I decided to install the TII™ 212 Broadband Cable TV Surge Protector.
The setup was quick and easy. The hardest part was installing the copper bonding wire.
Since installing it, I’ve had no issues with power surges, and my internet connection has been stable and reliable. I’m relieved to know that my equipment is now safeguarded against lightning strikes and other surges.
Following these tips will help protect your electronic devices during power outages. Implementing several of the surge mitigation strategies mentioned will reduce power surges when using utility-sourced power.