It has been reported that one lightning bolt contains 1 billion volts and contains between 10,000 to 200,000 amperes of current. The average flash would light a 100-watt light bulb for 3 months. While direct lightning strikes to homes are uncommon, electrical storms cause power surges in the electrical grid. This sudden high-voltage surge can severely damage electrical appliances.
Did you know that even if your electrical appliances are switched off, they are still at risk? Unplugging the power point is the only way to ensure electrical appliances won’t be damaged during an electrical storm. In Australia, damage to household items caused by lightning is estimated at $10 million per year.
As we head into storm season, the weather forecast can predict clear skies and suddenly an unexpected storm erupts out of nowhere. Every year, there are more than 100 severe thunderstorms in Australia. So it is a good idea to start getting into the habit of always unplugging your electrical appliances when they are not in use. Switch off and unplug all non-essential electrical equipment to avoid damage from power surges.
For essential items that must remain switched on, there are various protection products available. These protectors offer an uninterruptible power supply or surge protectors.
A Surge Protection Device (SPD) is a device designed to protect electrical appliances from voltage spikes. A surge protector attempts to limit the voltage supplied to an electric device by either blocking or by shorting to ground any unwanted voltages above a safe threshold.
A SPD offers two forms of protection: overload protection if you have plugged in too many items into one power board; and surge protection which absorbs the large and damaging power surge from electrical storms. While a power surge may not always destroy your electrical item, it will wear your appliance down and reduce its life expectancy.
These devices typically range from as little as $20 to $200 depending on their specific uses and functionalities. The Crest Power Board 6 Way allows you to connect up to 6 sockets at your single wall socket. It’s ideal for your entire entertainment unit, and includes overload protection to prevent electrical faults from damaging your devices. The Belkin Conserve Switch AV Surge Protector with Wireless Remote offers wireless remote controlled protection. It is ideal for all your entertainment components; TV, DVD player, VCR, gaming console, etc. Belkin will repair or replace any equipment damaged by a surge, spike, or lightning strike while properly connected to a Belkin Conserve Surge Protector.
So make sure that your home is prepared and protected this storm season. Purchasing surge protectors and unplugging appliances is much cheaper and easier than having to replace expensive equipment.
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