Although a lot of people know what surge protection is, some people don't have the slightest clue. This article will explain what surge protection is and help you understand why it's important.

What Exactly Is Surge Protection?

Surge protection is what protects your electronic devices and appliances from spikes in electrical voltage. A surge protector will basically limit the amount of electric voltage that is allowed to reach the electronic device or appliance by blocking or grounding unwanted voltages.

Different Types of Surge Protectors

Surge protectors come in two different forms. You are probably pretty familiar with a power strip surge protector, but there is another popular type of surge protector that is designed for your circuit breaker panel. When selecting a surge protector, make sure that you chose a higher level of joules. This is because you have more protection as you enter the higher numbers of joules.

Benefits of Surge Protection

When it come to surge protection, there are an abundance of benefits, including the following:

Additional Outlets – First off, if you use a power strip surge protector, you are provided with a number of additional outlets that you can use to plug in more devices and/or appliances into a single outlet. Saves Energy – Also with the power strip, you can save on energy usage. This is because there is an on/off switch on the power strip that allows you to switch off all plugged-in devices so that they are pulling electricity when they are not being used. Protects Devices – If there is a major storm in the area, then a surge protector (for the circuit or the power strip type) can help keep plugged-in devices and appliances from shorting out should there be an excessive amount of voltage being transmitted or a power surge, such as from a lightning strike. Increased Warranties – As a general rule, if you have your electronic items plugged into a surge protector and they are damaged despite the protection that the surge protector should have offered, your device or appliance will typically be replaced.

There are so many things to love about the coming holiday season. Great food, great company, family, festive decorations; we couldn’t be more excited! But there’s a not so great factor attached to it all, too. That hefty electric bill you’ll be seeing. Looking for ways to keep your costs at a minimum this holiday? The expert electricians at Hoffman Electrical can provide some easy fixes!

Our professionals have been proudly serving Tampa and Clearwater, Florida for years now. When it comes to quality and top-tier service, we’re the name to know in electrical! And as  apart of our great service, we’re always looking for ways to help out. If you want to reduce your energy costs this season, we’ve got the solutions you’ll be happy to know.

Most of us have batteries stored in a drawer or cabinet somewhere in our home. They are used for a number of different applications including clocks, remote controls, and toys. Batteries do create electrical current, so while these small devices can appear harmless, improper use can lead to dangerous results. Make sure you are conducting battery use in a safe and proper manner.

Ensure batteries and contacts are clean – Before using a battery, make sure that the battery is clean and the connections of the device are also clean. Any dirt or grease can cause the battery to not connect properly to the device or allow a path for the current to leave the device. If corrosion appears to be building on either the battery or the device it should be cleaned or disposed of properly. You can use a cloth to wipe away any debris or build up on the battery and device connector. 

Dispose of batteries correctly – Batteries are filled with hazardous acid. Once a battery is used up it does not mean that it is safe to throw into the garbage can. Batteries can still leak and cause hazardous chemicals to spread. Batteries should be recycled at locations that accept them, such as Staples and Best Buy. They will ensure that batteries are sent to the right place for recycling. 

Avoid damaging or using damaged batteries – Again, batteries do contain hazardous chemicals inside. It the battery is punctured, crushed, or heated the acid can leak or explode. If this acid comes into contact with your skin or eyes, it can pose serious health risks. Keep children from handling batteries in the event that they misuse the battery. If you find a damaged battery, avoid using it in any household device. Wrap the battery up and bring it to a recycling station. 

Match the polarity correctly – While many of us check to make sure that the positive (+) and negative (-) symbols are connecting correctly in the device, it can be overlooked at times. If you put a battery backwards in a device it may still function but there could be venting or leaking. The polarity indicators are there to let you know how the battery should be used. Ignoring these prompts can lead to damaging the battery and the serious hazards discussed earlier.

Batteries are a wonderful invention that allows us to generate small amounts of electricity for mobile devices, but mishandling them can be dangerous for our health. If you have questions about electrical devices or use in your home, contact your local Expert Electric to get the assistance of a licenced electrician.