What Does a Surge Protector Do? The Difference Between Surge Protector and Arrester: Our Complete Guide

In today's world, where we rely on electronics for just about everything, protecting your devices from sudden power surges is essential. That's where surge protectors come in.

These handy devices help safeguard your appliances and gadgets from unexpected spikes in voltage, which can cause serious damage. But have you ever heard of a surge arrester? While it sounds similar, it plays a different role in electrical protection, often in industrial settings rather than homes.

In this blog, we’ll dive into what a surge protector does, why it’s important, and the key differences between a surge protector and a surge arrester. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to keep your electronics safe and when each type of protection might be necessary.

What Causes Power Surges?

Power surges are sudden increases in voltage that can damage or even destroy your electrical devices. They can happen for several reasons, both inside and outside your home.

One of the most common causes is lightning strikes. When lightning hits near power lines, it can send a massive surge of electricity through the grid, potentially frying your electronics if they’re not protected.

Another frequent cause is the cycling on and off of large appliances, like refrigerators or air conditioners. These devices draw a lot of power, and when they switch off, the sudden stop can create a small surge that affects other electronics plugged into the same circuit.

Faulty wiring, utility power grid switching and even downed power lines are other culprits behind power surges. These surges may seem minor, but over time, repeated exposure can degrade your electronics, shortening their lifespan or causing them to fail altogether.

That’s why having a surge protector in place is so important to safeguard your home’s devices from unexpected voltage spikes.

A man shocked by a power surge in the kitchen

What is a Surge Protector?

A surge protector is a device designed to keep your electronics safe from sudden spikes in electrical voltage. These voltage spikes can occur for several reasons, but surge protectors act as a shield, ensuring your valuable devices don’t get damaged.

Here’s how they work and why they’re essential:

  • Protects against voltage spikes: Surge protectors absorb excess energy during a power surge, preventing it from reaching your appliances and causing damage.
  • Ideal for home use: They’re commonly used to protect computers, televisions, gaming consoles and other electronics from unpredictable surges.
  • Convenient installation: Most surge protectors come in the form of power strips, allowing you to plug multiple devices into a single outlet while adding protection.
  • Affordable and effective: Surge protectors are an inexpensive way to safeguard your electronics compared to the cost of replacing devices after a power surge.
  • LED indicator lights: Many surge protectors have indicator lights to let you know they’re working and providing protection.

In short, a surge protector is a must-have for any household looking to protect their electronics from unexpected power surges.

On the other hand, a Residual Current Device (RCD) safety switch is a frontline defence against electrical shocks, while a circuit breaker protects your electrical circuits. All perform different functions.

What is a Surge Arrester?

A surge arrester is a device designed to protect large-scale electrical systems from extremely high voltage surges. Unlike surge protectors, which are used in homes, surge arresters are typically found in industrial and utility settings.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • Designed for high-voltage protection: Surge arresters are built to handle intense voltage surges, like those caused by lightning strikes or power grid issues, protecting power lines and transformers.
  • Used in utility and industrial systems: These devices are commonly installed in substations or on power poles to prevent surges from damaging critical infrastructure.
  • Not for home use: Surge arresters are designed to protect large electrical systems rather than individual appliances or devices in a home.
  • Diverts excess energy to the ground: When a massive surge occurs, the arrester safely redirects the excess voltage away from the electrical system and into the ground.
  • Provides long-term system protection: By preventing damage to power grids, surge arresters help maintain reliable electricity flow in industrial and utility networks.

While essential for larger systems, surge arresters aren’t something most homeowners need to worry about.

Key Differences Between the Two

While both surge protectors and surge arresters are designed to defend against electrical surges, they serve different purposes and environments.

Here are the key differences between the two:

  • Usage location:
    • Surge protectors are used in homes and offices to safeguard electronics like computers, TVs, and appliances.
    • Surge arresters are typically found in industrial or utility settings, protecting power lines and transformers from high-voltage surges.
  • Voltage capacity:
    • Surge protectors handle lower-level surges that occur in residential settings, such as those caused by small power fluctuations or appliance cycling.
    • Surge arresters can withstand and redirect massive surges, such as those caused by lightning strikes or major power grid events.
  • Installation:
    • Surge protectors are simple devices that can be plugged into a standard outlet, often in the form of power strips.
    • Surge arresters are large, specialised devices installed on power poles or in substations.
  • Primary function:
    • Surge protectors absorb excess voltage to protect your devices.
    • Surge arresters divert extreme surges directly to the ground to prevent damage to utility equipment.

Each serves a unique role in electrical protection, depending on the scale of the system.

A woman shopping for a power strip (surge protector)

Which One Do You Need for Your Home?

When it comes to protecting your home’s electronics, a surge protector is the go-to choice. Surge protectors are designed to shield your devices from sudden spikes in voltage, which can occur from lightning strikes, power grid fluctuations, or even the on-and-off cycling of large appliances.

These protectors are easy to install, often coming in the form of power strips, and they offer an affordable layer of defence for your gadgets and appliances.

A surge arrester, on the other hand, is typically used in industrial or utility settings. It’s built to handle extremely high voltage surges, like those that travel along power lines. Most homeowners don’t need a surge arrester since these are designed for large-scale electrical systems rather than individual homes.

For everyday protection, installing surge protectors is usually sufficient. You can place them in key spots around your house, like near your computer, TV or home entertainment system. This way, your electronics stay safe from unexpected power surges, giving you peace of mind.

Understanding the Difference

Both surge protectors and surge arresters play important roles in guarding against electrical surges, but they serve different purposes.

For most homes, a surge protector is essential for protecting your electronics from everyday voltage spikes caused by lightning, power outages, or large appliances turning on and off. They’re easy to use and affordable, providing peace of mind that your gadgets are safe.

On the other hand, surge arresters are designed for industrial and utility settings, protecting larger electrical systems from high-voltage surges. While they’re not something homeowners typically need, they help keep the power grid stable and functional.

Understanding the difference between the two helps you choose the right protection for your home, ensuring your electronics are safe from unexpected electrical surges.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.

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