Do surge protection only work once? Generally no, they work more than once however, we cannot give you an exact lifespan because it varies from area to area – depending on how many surges occur in your area and how much energy your protector can absorb. Surge protectors are generally recommended to be replaced every two years, but such a recommendation is only a guideline.
If you have a high-end electronic device, you should use a surge protector. Gaming consoles and entertainment centers should always be protected by surge protectors, for instance. You will extend the life of your device and prevent damage in the process.
Surge protectors only work as power strips, whereas UPS’s act like temporary backups. During a power outage, UPS devices can provide backup power. The UPS protects users and devices to a certain extent during disruptions of power, but it cannot provide the same level of surge protection as a surge protector.
Surge protectors provide the best protection against power surges for appliances and electrical systems in your home. A surge protector does have an initial purchase and installation cost, but they also provide safety, security, and peace of mind. Most laptop power bricks do provide some surge protection, but only for very minor surges. Power surges or lightning strikes can damage anything plugged into a wall outlet without surge protection. You don’t need a surge protector only for your desk lamp or your standing fan, but you do want a surge protector for expensive devices that have intricate microprocessors, like computers, televisions, stereo systems, and media centers. A surge protector is a must for anything electronic and expensive.
A cheap surge protector is really no more than a power strip with more outlets. This is if they even suppress the surges. When the suppressor bit wears out, they will continue to function, leaving you completely uncovered. When the surge protector mechanism burns out, a good quality surge strip stops working.
