Surge protectors are very important for protecting valuable electronics from unexpected power surges. However, like any electronic device, surge protectors have a lifespan.
This blog helps you learn how long do surge protectors last and what to look for when they are about to fail to keep your devices protected.
What are Surge Protectors, and Why Are They Important?
A surge protector is an appliance that provides electronic devices with an increased voltage shock protection system. It shields electronic appliances against any rise in voltage from sources like lightning or disruptions within the electric grid during outages. These jolts of electrical voltage will further damage or destroy highly sensitive electronic equipment, including computer equipment, televisions, and video games, without surge protectors. An affordable local electrician repair company can help assess and replace outdated surge protectors to ensure continued protection.
Surge protectors divert surplus electrical energy into your devices. Over time, the elements that ensure this protection process, primarily the MOV or metal oxide varistor, degrade, weakening the surge protector and determining how long do surge protectors last.
Average Lifespan of a Surge Protector
The surge protector lifespan is three to five years on average. Other factors that determine how long do surge protectors last:
- How Often a Surge Occurs: Higher occurrences of voltage surges reduce the lifespan of the surge protector.
- Quality of the Surge Protector: High-quality parts and robust components make surge protectors last longer and influence how long do surge protectors last.
- Environment: Surge protectors may wear out faster with intense heat, high humidity, or dust exposure.
Industrial-grade surge protector lifespan lasts a little longer while still needing constant checking over time and changing later on, making it easy to identify how long do surge protectors last.
Signs That Your Surge Protector Needs Replacement
Do surge protectors go bad? Yes, they do. The efficiency of surge protectors in absorbing surges reduces with time. The most common indicators that determine how long do surge protectors last, showing that it’s time for a change are the following:
- The Light Is Not Coming On: Surge protectors have a light that indicates they are in operation. When the light no longer works, the protector may be faulty.
- Physical Evidence: Burn marks, discolorations, and a smoky smell are all clear failure indicators that help you understand how long do surge protectors last.
- Too Many Shut-Downs or Hang-Ups: If your appliances frequently turn off or malfunction, the surge protector could be failing.
- Age: Even if they look fine, surge protectors older than five years should be replaced.
Learn how do you know if a surge protector is bad? Identifying a bad surge protector at home can help you avoid unnecessary risks and damage to electronics.
How Long Do Surge Protectors Last and When to Replace Them?
Many people ask “do surge protectors go bad?” Though the default rule of thumb is to replace surge protectors every three to five years, Some things can change this duration. For example:
- If your area is constantly experiencing thunderstorms or fluctuations in power, your surge protector will start to lose its ability faster.
- Cheaper ones, which usually have a minimalist joule rating, a measure of the energy a surge protector can absorb, need to be replaced often.
Understanding how often to replace surge protectors depends on many different circumstances. Keeping an eye on their general state and looking forward to proactive replacement will ensure the job is done correctly.
Surge Protectors vs Power Strip
Many people think that all power strips have surge protection. Well, they don’t. A power strip covers more outlets but is not a surge protector. Instead, a surge protector protects your appliances from sudden surges in voltage.
Do power strips go bad? Yes, but their primary job is to share power. Understanding how long does a power strip last is important because degradation mainly affects its ability to provide consistent electricity rather than protection to know how long does a power strip last. However, knowing how do power strips go bad is still important to avoid possible electrical issues or overloading and to learn why power strips go bad.
When purchasing a surge protector, ensure that the product has a joule rating and a light indicator to confirm that it can provide real-time surge protection and better understand how long do surge protectors last. A power strip that might be sold as a replacement for a surge protector does not necessarily protect appliances from surges.
How Surge Protectors Degrade Over Time
Understanding the functionality of the MOV (Metal Oxide Varistor), which is the core of a surge protector, is important to knowing how long do surge protectors last. The MOV absorbs the extra energy from a surge and safely dissipates it. However, that particular movement affects its ability, and it becomes less effective in the long term.
Dust, humidity, and temperature changes also contribute to surge protector wear and tear. The right placement and frequent maintenance will prolong the protector’s life and determine how often to replace surge protector.
How to Check the Effectiveness of Your Surge Protector
How do you know if a surge protector is bad? To confirm this, check the following:
- The Indicator Light: It should be lit. If it is not, your surge protector is not working.
- Physical Damage Check: Check for wear, such as discoloration or casing damage.
- Surge Protector Tester: Tools are also available to test whether a surge protector works, which gives much better peace of mind.
When you’ve got issues flagged with any one of the above tests, replace the surge protector.
Tips on Extending the Life of Your Surge Protector
How long do surge protectors last? Surge protectors don’t last forever. However, their lifespan may be extended through proper care. Here are a few tips to consider:
- Do Not Overload: Putting too much load on one surge protector can damage its components.
- Unplug in Stormy Season: Disconnect your surge protector before the heavy storm starts in your locality.
- Cleanliness: Dust and debris can cause the failure of your surge protector. Clean it now and then.
- Installation Location: Do not place it in locations that are either very hot, moist, or with direct sunlight.
Follow these tips to maximize the efficiency of your surge protector and learn how long do surge protectors last.
When to Upgrade Surge Protection
You’ll need a whole-house surge protection system if you replace surge protectors too frequently or have equipment for which a fried electronics would prove costly. In this case, the system provides much greater surge protection, so an electrician should install the system for you.
Surge protection installation provides peace of mind and long-term solutions to the safety of your equipment.
Final Verdict
Knowing how long do surge protectors last is necessary to ensure that electronic devices are properly maintained for their safety and longevity. Therefore, surge protectors should be checked periodically by experts like Myrtle Beach Electrician to determine if they still function correctly; otherwise, they should be upgraded after three to five years. With care and proper updates, your electrical devices will stay safe from untimely power surges. For more insights on surge protection, For more queries send an email to william@mb-electrician.com.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long do surge protectors last?
Typically, surge protectors last from 3 to 5 years based on usage and quality.
Do surge protectors deteriorate over time?
Yes, they wear out because internal parts deteriorate and lose efficiency.
How can you tell if a surge protector has gone bad?
If the light does not turn on, has burn marks, or the power turns off frequently, it has gone bad.
How long can a power strip last?
Power strips might last for ages but do not have surge protection, so they are not perfect protectors for electronics.
When should you change surge protectors?
Surge protectors must be replaced every 3 to 5 years or immediately if they show signs of wear and tear and no longer work.