What Does A Surge Protector Do
Surge protectors also make maintenance of your electrical circuits easier and help reduce the cost of repairing machines. Buying a high-quality surge protector can go a long way in protecting your appliances and saving you money.
What is a surge protector?#
A surge protector is a unique device that shields your electrical appliances from electrical spikes in alternating current circuits. Surges last a short time and can be up to 1000 volts. A surge protector is usually triggered when the spike is 3 or 4 times the voltage in your power mains. When activated, the protector diverts the extra power to earth or absorbs it and releases it as heat. That ensures the extra power does not get into your appliances and damage them.
How does a surge protector work?#
As mentioned above, a surge protector redirects power spikes away from your appliances and ensures that they are not damaged. Surge protectors contain Metal Oxide Varistor (MOV), which works like a pressure-sensitive valve. Check this too: 3 Way Switch How to & Troubleshooting Guide The MOV reduces resistance when it detects high voltages and increases it when voltages are low. In addition, it automatically engages when there are current spikes in your circuits and diverts excess power. A MOV has three parts, including the metal oxide and two semiconductors that connect the metal oxide to your power supply and grounding line. These semiconductors have varying resistance, which ensures that they change their resistance when power is too low or too high. It is essential to mention that surge protectors provide varying levels of protection for your appliances. That is measured using joules, and you will notice a joule rating on the surge protector. The joule rating tells you how much energy your protector can absorb before it stops working. Therefore, the higher the rating on your surge protector, the better the protection it will provide to your appliances.
What does a surge protector do during a power outage?#
It is essential to have a surge protector in place during a power outage. Surge protectors will protect your equipment from power spikes when the power comes back on. It is not advisable to unplug your surge protector during an outage. Make sure that you regularly inspect your protector, especially if you live in an area with frequent power blackouts or brownouts. If you notice that it is not working anymore, replace it immediately.
What equipment needs surge protectors?#
You may be wondering whether you have equipment in your home that requires a surge protector. When making the decision, a rule of thumb is that you should buy surge protectors for appliances that are expensive to replace or repair. Also, remember that the latest electrical devices are more sensitive to power surges than older ones. For example, a fridge made in 2020 would be more sensitive to power surges than an older one from the 1990s. That is because new appliances have smaller and more delicate components. Microprocessors, for instance, are very sensitive to high voltages and will only work correctly if the current is stable and of the proper voltage. Here are some of the equipment in your home and office that require surge protectors.
TelevisionsComputersMicrowavesVideo gaming systems like Playstation, Xbox and Nintendo SwitchHigh-end audio equipment like soundbars and AV receivers
Who needs surge protectors?#
Surge protectors are necessary for both homes and offices, as long as you use electrical appliances. That means anyone who has electrical appliances should buy and use surge protectors. Remember that you will not notice damage due to power surges until your devices stop working suddenly. That can be inconvenient and costly. Here are some critical considerations to make when buying surge protectors.
The appliances you want to protect.Think about the number of outlets you have in your home.Check the UL seal, which tells you that the surge protector is certified by Underwriter’s Laboratories.Make sure that the surge protector you buy is a transient voltage surge protector.Make sure that it has a warranty.Check that it has an indicator light.
Do surge protectors do anything?#
Surge protectors are specially constructed with a metal oxide varistor that diverts excess current to protect your appliances. They shield your devices from both low and high-voltage variations and ensure they serve you for a long time. Surge protectors also help save you money that you would have spent on repairing or replacing your appliances.
Do you still need surge protectors?#
If you have replaced your appliances with new modern ones, you should ensure that you continue using surge protectors. Smaller components used in current devices are easily damaged during power spikes and can be very expensive to repair.
What should you not plug into a surge protector?#
Do not plug high-capacity devices into your surge protector. That is because they draw a lot of power, and using a protector is likely to cause problems in your system. Here is a list of devices you should not plug into a surge protector.
Check this too: LG Sound Bar How to & Troubleshooting Guide
Do surge protectors prevent fires?#
Surge protectors can prevent fires. In a power surge, your electrical devices may spark and catch fire. Using a surge protector will divert the excess power, preventing sparking and an electrical fire. That said, it is essential to take other precautions to prevent electrical fires. These include regularly inspecting wiring, replacing worn-out wiring and power cords, repairing damaged appliances, and not overloading your outlets.
Surge Protector Vs. Power Strip: Compared, Explained, and Broken Down
Whether you’re an avid gamer, a home office worker, or a small business owner, understanding the differences between surge protectors and power strips is essential. Surge protectors and power strips are the most common tools to power and protect electronic devices.
Both of these tools provide similar benefits, but there are some key differences that you need to know. In this article, we’ll explain the differences between surge protectors and power strips, discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each, and provide some helpful tips on which one to choose for your electrical needs.
What is a Surge Protector?
A surge protector is a commonly-used device that protects electronic devices from power surges. Surge protectors are a type of electrical socket that operate using a specialized circuit, and this circuit helps redirect electricity spikes into the ground rather than through your electronic devices. Surge protectors ensure that your devices aren’t damaged if a sudden power surge occurs through internal circuitry that detects sudden power surges and shuts off the power to connected devices before the surge impacts them. When the surge passes, the protector will reset.
While surge protectors have a similar appearance to power strips, they differ in some fundamental ways. Like power strips, surge protectors have multiple outlets for individuals to plug their devices into, but they protect more against power surges that could cause irreparable damage.
Surge Protector Functionality
A surge protector works by diverting the excess voltage from the connected devices, preventing them from damage. These devices come in different forms; however, their ultimate intent is to defend your devices, such as phones, tablets, and computers.
Surge protectors can also help to protect against power outages, brownouts, and other electrical disturbances that can cause damage to electronic equipment.
Types of Surge Protectors
Surge protectors come in various types and sizes, depending on the number of outlets and the level of surge protection they offer. The most common types include the following:
- Single-strip surge protectors.
- Multi-strip surge protectors.
- Wall-mounted surge protectors with USB ports that extend outwards.
The ports allow multiple plug-in devices to charge simultaneously, keeping your electronics safe.
Additionally, many surge protectors contain a surge protection device (SPD) and a diverter. Others include a transient surge suppressor to ensure your devices are always safe when plugged in. Some individuals mount their surge protectors to a circuit breaker panel rather than plug the protector directly into the wall.
Benefits of Using Surge Protectors
Surge protectors provide a range of benefits that make them a suitable solution for many people with multiple electronic devices. For instance, the following are some of the primary benefits of using surge protectors:
- Protection from power surges: Surge protectors protect from voltage spikes that can cause permanent damage to electronic equipment.
- Protection from power outages and brownouts: Surge protectors can also provide protection from power outages and brownouts, which can also cause damage to electronic equipment.
- Cost savings: Surge protectors can help to save money in the long run by preventing expensive repairs or replacements of damaged electronic equipment.
What is a Power Strip?
A power strip is an electrical device designed to provide multiple outlets for powering and protecting multiple electronic devices. A power strip has a cable on one end that you plug into a wall outlet, allowing you to use the multiple outlets on the power strip for different devices.
The wall outlet powers the devices plugged into your power strip. The central purpose of this device is to provide an extension cord-type option for individuals with many electronic devices that need to be connected simultaneously.
Power Strip Functionality
A power strip is designed to provide multiple outlets for powering multiple electronic devices, and it can power multiple devices at once, providing convenience and saving time. Its purpose is simpler than a surge protector; however, some power strips come with built-in surge protector functionalities.
Types of Power Strips
Power strips come in a range of different types and sizes, depending on the number of outlets and the level of protection they offer.
The most common types are:
- Single-strip power strips
- Rack-mount power strips
- Cabinet power strips
- Bench-mount power strips
Benefits of Power Strips
Power strips provide a range of benefits, including the following:
- Convenience: Power strips provide convenience by allowing multiple devices to be powered from one outlet.
- Cost savings: Power strips can help to save money in the long term by reducing the need for multiple power outlets.
- Protection from power surges: Some power strips include a surge protector, which can help to protect against power surges.
Power Strip vs. Surge Protector
Now that you know the differences between surge protectors and power strips, it’s time to compare them. There are some key differences between the two, which you should consider when choosing one for your electrical needs.
Protection Against Power Surges
The primary difference between a power strip and a surge protector is the level of protection against power surges. Power strips do not provide additional protection against power surges unless you purchase a power strip with a built-in surge protector.
Power strips are intended to add additional outlet space to help you connect multiple devices simultaneously. A surge protector protects your electronic devices and appliances from possible damage. Surge protectors have a joules rating on their packaging, which is one of the primary ways to differentiate them from power strips, and Joules deplete when your surge protector is affected by power surges.
Electrical Rating and Capacity
Surge protectors are also rated in terms of electrical rating and capacity, which indicates how much electrical power and current they can handle. On the other hand, power strips usually have no rating or capacity information.
The Number of Outlets
Power strips typically have more outlets than surge protectors, though this is not true in every case and won’t be an issue for those power strips with built-in surge protection features.
Price Range
There is a cost difference between power strips and surge protectors that can influence an individual’s decision on which option is best for their needs. Because surge protectors offer additional benefits and protection that power strips don’t provide, they are typically pricier than power strips. The price difference between the two varies depending on various factors. Typically, surge protectors are only slightly pricier than power strips, and their protection is worth the additional dollars.
Which One Should You Choose?
When choosing between a surge protector and a power strip, it’s essential to consider your electrical needs and the type of devices you’ll be using. A surge protector is the best choice if you need to protect electronic devices from power surges. However, a power strip might be your preferred option if you only need to power multiple devices at once. One of the best examples of a safe and effective power strip is the Baseus PowerCombo 6-in-1 charging station 65W. This power strip has 1200J surge protection that monitors circuit status 86,400 times a day keeping your devices charged and protected against power spikes.
Before deciding, consider the factors below when choosing between a surge protector and a power strip.
Factors to Consider
When choosing between a surge protector and a power strip, there are several factors to consider:
- Cost: Power strips are typically less expensive than surge protectors, as they don’t contain the same technology to protect your devices.
- Space: Power strips are much more compact and can be tucked away behind furniture or other objects, while surge protectors tend to take up more space.
- Protection: Surge protectors contain technology that can protect your devices from power spikes and surges, while power strips do not.
- Number of Outlets: Surge protectors generally offer more outlets than power strips, allowing you to plug in more devices.
- Portability: Power strips are much more portable than surge protectors since they are smaller and lighter.
- Design: Power strips come in various designs, from ones with individual switches to ones with USB ports, while surge protectors tend to be more basic in design.
- Surge Protection Rating: Different surge protectors have different ratings for the amount of protection they offer. Check the rating on the surge protector you’re considering to ensure it meets your needs.
- Cord Length: Surge protectors and power strips come with cords of varying lengths. Consider the length of the cord when making your decision.
- LED Indicators: Some surge protectors have LED indicators that let you know if the protector is working and if it’s providing protection from power surges. Consider a surge protector over a power strip if this feature is essential.
- Mountable: Many surge protectors are designed to be mounted on a wall or desk, while power strips typically sit on the floor. Consider where you’ll use the surge protector or power strip when deciding.
- Power Rating: Surge protectors and power strips come with different power ratings. Always check the power rating of the surge protector or power strip you’re considering to ensure it meets your needs.
- Compatibility: Check the compatibility of the surge protector or power strip you’re considering to ensure it will work with your electronic devices.
- Warranty: Many surge protectors and power strips come with a warranty. Consider how long the warranty is when making your decision.
- Some surge protectors and power strips have safety features such as overload protection and fireproofing. Consider these safety features when making your decision.
Scenarios Where One Option is More Suitable
Certain scenarios may influence your decision on whether to purchase a power strip or a surge protector. While surge protectors are best for protecting your electronic devices, they won’t always be the best choice. Below are some situations where you should consider using one over the other.
Scenario 1: Home Office
If you are setting up a home office, investing in a quality surge protector is essential. A surge protector will protect your sensitive electronics from voltage spikes, surges, and power surges, allowing you to complete your work without any bumps in the road. A surge protector with additional features such as surge protection indicator lights, remote control capability, and USB ports can be very convenient.
Scenario 2: Home Theater
Investing in a quality surge protector over a power strip when setting up a home theater system is essential. A surge protector is crucial because it can protect expensive electronics and larger devices necessary for a complete home theater. A power strip without a surge protector won’t protect your equipment from damage, meaning you could lose thousands of dollars if you only use a power strip in this situation.
Scenario 3: Bedroom Electronics
If you have a few devices in your bedroom, such as a lamp and a laptop, a power strip would be more suitable than a surge protector, as it’s more compact and doesn’t require additional protection. However, consider a power strip with a built-in power surge protector if you’re concerned about power surges.
Scenario 4: Large Appliances
If you are plugging in large appliances, such as a refrigerator or air conditioner, you should invest in a quality surge protector. A surge protector will ensure the appliance is protected and that possible power surges don’t impact perishable items stored in your fridge.
Scenario 5: Workshop
A surge protector is vital if you have a workshop you use frequently. Surge protectors are preferable over power strips because they allow you to safely plug in multiple tools that could be destroyed with an untimely power surge. Because you are handling these tools manually, a surge protector is even more crucial to protect your physical safety.
Find the Best Surge Protection From Baseus
Surge protectors and power strips are the most common tools to power and protect electronic devices. While both tools provide similar benefits, there are crucial differences in their functionalities and purposes to consider before choosing one. Consumers often have one crucial question: does power strip have a surge protector included? With Baseus, the answer is yes.
Baseus’s Power Strip collection with USB contains all the features to plug in multiple devices and keep your electronics safe. Our product can charge several devices simultaneously and is designed as a hybrid multiplug device to provide advanced protection and protection from power surges and voltage spikes.
With our guide, you’ll have all the information you need to choose your electrical needs. Check out our products today to start protecting your cherished devices confidently.
What is a surge protector ?
A surge protector is an electrical appliance that is used for protection of the equipment against power surges and voltage spikes while simultaneously blocking voltage over a safe threshold (approximately 120 V). When it surpasses 120 V, the surge protector shorts to ground voltage or even blocks it. If you don’t use surge protectors, then anything above 120 V can create component issues like permanent damage, reduced lifespan of internal devices, burned wires, and data loss.
You will usually find a surge protector installed in communications structure, process control systems, power distribution panels, or other substantial industrialized systems. And, the smaller versions are present in electrical service entrances located in office buildings and homes.
Some of the surge protector device components and features are as follows:
- It is an iron core transformer that transfers alternating current (AC) power, however, and it cannot absorb sudden surges.
- It is a Zener diode that protects against the common circuit spikes and is sometimes merged with a transient voltage suppression diode.
- If a situation arises where a circuit breaker is out or blows a fuse that is where a surge protector comes in and provides internal protection and protects against device and exterior surges.
- It will provide you uninterruptible power supply takes in spikes while using a low pass filter and allows external power beyond the battery, which then supplies uninterrupted power.
- A metal oxide varistor (MOV) is thermal fused and what it does is it limits the voltage three to four times that of a regular current. Parallel to this is the MOV connections that expand life expectancy and thereon increase the current capacity. If it gets exposed to several large transients or numerous small transients, MOVs will eventually self-destruct.
Now let’s talk about a transient surge protector. It attempts to limit the voltage supplied to an electric device by either blocking or shorting current in order to reduce the voltage that comes under the safe threshold.
Now you can do the same by using an inductor that inhibits a sudden change in current. And, shorting is done by spark gaps, Zener-type semiconductor, and MOVs, all of which begin to conduct current once you reach that certain voltage threshold, or by capacitors that inhibit a sudden change in voltage. Some surge protectors use multiple elements.
Now talking about the surge protectors for homes, they can be in power strips that are used inside or a device outside at the power panel. Now, sockets in a modern house use three wires that are line, neutral, and ground. There are many protectors out there that connect to all three in pairs due to the condition such as lighting, where both line and neutral have high voltage spikes that need to be shorted to ground.
So in order to protect your home from these damages, it is important that you invest in a good surge protector and not to forget the UPS battery as well. There are an array of companies from which you can attain this equipment, but one of the most trustworthy companies out there is Schneider Electric. They have an array of surge protection devices that can be installed in the system to ensure protection from over or under voltage.
Energy Control System
Something new I got here about Surge Protection, its use, benefits and working style. Great info you have shared here.
Surge Protector vs. UPS: Should You Get Both?
Surge protector vs. UPS: which one should you get? Should you have both?
Why You Need Power Protection Devices
Let’s say it’s Friday night. You’re on the couch in your jammies with a bowl of hot, buttered popcorn, ready for a well-deserved Netflix movie marathon. You grab the remote to catch up on the latest episode of your favorite series or rewatch a classic.
Or, you might be in a work-from-home setup and about to present an essential matter to your boss in the middle of a Zoom meeting.
You spent a week perfecting your slides and practicing your “script” until the delivery sounded natural and confident. Then during the call, after delivering the “punch line” of the presentation that’s supposed to cement your points, you get…crickets? Nobody reacted to your presentation. Later, you realize that you have six missed calls and a dozen messages from coworkers, all saying that your connection checked out just as you were at the exciting part.
Then there’s a foreboding sense of doom as you realize that a week’s worth of effort just went down the drain, and you have to start all over again.
We’ve all experienced this dreaded meeting lag at one point, especially during the pandemic period when classes and meetings were held online. Power protection devices such as a UPS surge protector address these modern challenges of the working class.
Read on to know more.
What is An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)?
In a nutshell, an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is a battery that automatically acts as a backup during a blackout or brownout.
Some of you may think of your car batteries or those AAs and AAAs you place inside home gadgets. Yes, those are the batteries we are referring to.
The UPS takes this a step further. A UPS is a battery connected between your device and an outlet. It automatically switches from your main supply to the internal battery when the power supply goes out.
The transfer switch makes it possible to switch from the main supply to the uninterruptible power supply.
Types of UPS
- Standby UPSis the most basic. The UPS draws Direct Current and converts it to Alternating Current, precisely what many of our appliances need.
- Line Interactive UPSis used when there are voltage fluctuations, you use this if you want good voltage quality.
The load is shielded from sags and swells by the voltage regulator.
- Double-Conversion UPS,in which two conversion stages happen to ensure the power quality to the connected load.
Conversion from AC to DC via an inverter.
The rectifier’s addition guarantees clean power.
Now, let’s talk about an invisible power problem most of us experience in our homes: power surges.
What is A Power Surge?
Simply put, a power surge is a sudden spike in voltage in an area such as inside your home. Electrical professionals also call it voltage surge or transient voltage. It’s important to know what this is and how it affects your gadgets to help you understand which power protection solution suits you best.
Let’s stop here for a moment. We were talking about a power surge, so why is there “voltage”?
The term power surge is relatively common in the industry but needs to be simplified for the average Joe.
Recall that power is a product of voltage and current. Here is a quick explanation for those encountering these terms for the first time.
Voltage
We are more familiar with the voltage as we are sure that we need around 120 volts coming out of our home sockets.
Notice that we did not explicitly mention that the voltage needs to be exactly 120 or 250 volts. That is because the voltage is allowed to have a wiggle room. That means the voltage can be slightly above or below 120 or 240 volts.
The normal voltage level is 120 or 240 volts, depending on the country’s standard.
Now that we’ve reviewed the concept of voltage let’s talk briefly about the current.
Current
Current is the flow of electrons. The unit we use for current is Amperes or Amps.
There is another factor called resistance. For a complete discussion, resistance, as the name suggests, is the opposition to the current flow.
Think of your garden water hose. Voltage provides pressure. Current can be thought of as the size of the hose. Resistance is whatever slows down the flow of water.
Power Formula
To obtain power, we need to multiply the voltage and the current.
This means, therefore, that if you increase the voltage, the power will also increase.
The water hose analogy applied to power.
Therefore, voltage directly affects power. Going back full circle to our definition of power surge earlier, we can now conclude that a surge in the voltage will cause a power surge.
A power surge with a voltage of 169 volts.
WARNING: This section may be too much for some of you to handle. You may pause the reading and revisit it later. This section can be skipped for the time being and come back later.
Causes of Power Surge
There are two types of power surges based on the standard industry guide : externally-generated and internally-generated surges.
Externally-generated surges, as the name suggests, are those that come from the outside of a household.
The best example of this is lightning.
Distribution of lightning strikes worldwide in flashes of lightning per km2 per year.
Other external-generated causes are those switching mechanisms along the distribution system. These are actions made manually or automatically by your local power distributor.
Externally-generated surges are beyond your control, but we have solutions that will be discussed later.
Internally-generated surges are those that come from the inside of a household.
These include the switching of inductive or capacitive loads.
For example, inductive loads are your big motors and power conversion devices.
Internally-generated surges are within your control as these are highly dependent on the appliances or loads you use in your household.
What are examples of these appliances? We have elevators, air conditioners, refrigerators, compressors, water pumps, and the like.
How to Know If There is A Power Surge?
Some of the indicators that a power surge occurred include:
- A visible flicker of light from bulbs or computer screens;
- Burns along electric lines or in appliances;
- Some wall outlets or your circuit breakers (basically the big switch boxes in your home) switched in a way opposite to the normal operating condition; and
- A power outage
Imagine you’re in an elevator when a power surge occurs. Whether there are visible signs, power surges are dangerous, especially since we have more sophisticated electronic equipment than decades ago. There’s technology available to protect us and our devices.
What is A Surge Protector?
At this point, it is clear to us that power surge is a problem we encounter daily.
«So, how can I protect my devices from a power surge?«
With surge protectors! A Surge protector is invented to defend your devices by absorbing the sudden spikes in voltage from the power supply or AC outlets.
How does a Surge Protector Work?
We can demonstrate how a surge protector works using a Marvel character we are all familiar with: Captain America.
Captain America is best known for his classic star-spangled vibranium shield that deflects anything thrown at him.
The surge protector works precisely like that. It diverts the sudden electricity spikes from the power surge to the ground to protect our devices and ensure they aren’t affected.
Surge Protector vs. UPS
To summarize our discussion on surge protector vs. UPS:
A UPS provides continuous power even if the main power from your distributor goes out. On the other hand, a surge protector protects our appliances from voltage surges. It does NOT provide power like a UPS.
So how do you choose?
It depends on your budget and needs. For example, if you’re not too worried about frequent power outages, it might be good to invest in a surge protector.
UPS with Surge Protection
Yes, you might not need both simultaneously, but remember that we are talking about possibilities and wise investment choices. While surge protectors and UPS are helpful for specific cases, investing in a UPS with surge protection can give you more peace of mind.
For instance, during a tornado or a thunderstorm, power outages and power surges are both usually present. We never fully know when lightning will strike or when power will be cut off as a precaution.
Therefore, a UPS with surge protection is a wise investment in areas experiencing frequent typhoons, as it protects our devices from sudden power outages and surges.
What Appliances Need UPS Surge Protection?
Previously, we have discussed what kind and capacity of UPS you should consider.
We recommend that those sensitive loads, such as computers and servers, get UPS surge protection. Home care medical equipment such as
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices;
- Medical Gas Monitoring Systems;
- Life Support Equipment and Monitors; and
- Oxygen pumps and concentrators
Sometimes, it is also a matter of convenience. Say, for example, you’re in the middle of an online game and on the verge of winning. Or when you’re streaming a heated football match (congratulations, Argentina!). It can also be a situation wherein a cold snap or the summer heat makes its presence felt, and you want the temperature to be just right during emergencies.
In sum, those loads that need a continuous power supply and are sensitive to power surges will need UPS surge protection.
Solar Generators With UPS Surge Protection
If you value UPS surge protection devices on the go, you’ll be glad to hear that modern Solar Generators or Portable Power Stations (PPS) come with UPS surge protection functions . In UPS mode, your PPS transfers your power to its battery power supply in 20 milliseconds.
Note: The EPS function of Growatt portable power series supports switching within 20ms. In order to avoid your losses, please test with your loads before using this function.
It is important to note that the UPS mode must be used below its rated power to avoid overload.
Aside from the UPS function, some PPS also has various power protection features besides under/over voltage protection, such as:
- Over Current Protection;
- Short Circuit Protection;
- Overcharging Voltage Protection; and
- Over Temperature Protection
Therefore, your PPS acts as a surge protector with battery backup.
Final Thoughts on Surge Protector vs. UPS
A UPS acts like a battery where our appliances get their power once the power from the main supply is interrupted.
Alternatively, surge protectors act as shields that protect our devices from harmful power surges, so they don’t get damaged or malfunction.
When deciding whether to use a UPS or a surge protector, consider which devices will suffer data loss or system damage in the event of a power outage. Generally, this will be computers and servers. You need to use UPS to protect. While for TVs, monitors, charging stations, and the like, a surge protector will do just fine.
And as we mentioned earlier, buying a UPS with Surge Protection is possible. You can thus enjoy the best of both worlds!
Investing in such equipment ensures the integrity of the power supply, the safety of our appliances, and our safety from unwanted power disturbances such as outages and surges. The cost may be higher, but the benefits are long-term.