Surge Protectors

Homes and businesses of today are wired on a system that would meet the needs of individuals and companies of the 1940s much better than the demands of modern electrical components. The traditional two-plug outlet is helpful but, typically, is not nearly enough for the average office. As a result, surge protectors and power strips equipped with surge protectors are employed.

Surge protectors are designed to prevent damage from occurring in expensive or important electronic equipment in a home or office. When there is a spike in the amount of voltage, a surge protector will trap the voltage that exceeds the limits of safety. This keeps the excessive electricity from damaging the electronic item.

To trap the excess voltage, surge protectors are equipped with a metal oxide varistor, or MOV. The MOV is the core of the surge suppressor, with a primary role of diverting the surge in current. Unfortunately, MOVs wear out with time and surges. As the number of surges increases, the MOV’s lifetime decreases and failure eventually becomes imminent.

Unfortunately, there is rarely a visual clue that failure is about to occur. It generally just happens and individuals are treated to the delight of potentially ruined electronics or worse. When a surge protector fails, it can reach a very high temperature due to all of the electricity running through the wires. This extremely high temperature can start fires in the home or office.

Compounding the issue is that a surge protector won’t stop working as a power strip when it is really dead. This gives people a false sense of security regarding their electronics and their home.

Contact a Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyer

If you have been injured by a faulty power strip or surge protector, contact the Philadelphia personal injury lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., at 215-238-1130.