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ITFrequently Asked Questions · General
How can I protect my equipment from surges?
Use a UPS, an AVR and surge protection power strips with surge filters.
Surges come either from lightning and switching operations on the grid, or from large loads inside the building itself, such as motors, air conditioners and lifts. Most are small and repetitive; they do not destroy equipment immediately but wear it down over time. Effective protection works in layers:
- surge protective devices (SPDs) in the electrical panel, for strong surges coming from outside;
- surge protection strips or an AVR near the devices, for the remaining spikes and voltage fluctuations;
- a UPS for computers, network equipment and anything that must not shut down abruptly.
None of these works properly without good earthing, because that is where the surge is diverted. Also protect every cable that reaches the device: a surge can arrive through the phone line, the aerial cable or a long network cable.
A common mistake is assuming a surge strip protects forever. Its protective components (varistors) wear out with every surge; if the protection indicator goes out, or after a strong lightning strike nearby, replace it.
