Many individuals wonder if it’s a good suggestion to attach two surge protectors, both to supply further safety or to realize entry to extra energy shops. The straightforward reply isn’t any, and for good purpose.
Can You Double Up on Surge Protectors?
One surge protector that’s plugged into one other is linked in sequence, which implies energy flows from one protector to the opposite. The one further safety that plugging one surge protector into one other may present is redundancy. That’s to say, if the primary surge protector occurs to fail, the second will nonetheless be practical.
You don’t acquire the power to soak up a higher quantity of energy within the occasion of a surge. Completely different surge protectors can set off at completely different voltage ranges, so the one with the bottom set off level ought to set off first and take up the surplus energy.
There may be some proof to recommend that the safety capabilities of a surge protector could be tampered with for those who daisy chain the 2 gadgets, and lots of protector warranties are void for those who partake on this follow. That features any insurance coverage cowl that the strip could promote.
Daisy Chaining Energy Strips With Surge Protectors May Be Harmful
You’ve in all probability been warned to not “daisy chain” power strips earlier than, and that’s for good purpose. Whereas energy strips are far safer than they as soon as had been, the extra gadgets you’ve gotten linked to a single strip, the extra possible you might be to overload the strip that’s closest to the wall outlet.
An influence strip that’s carrying a excessive load or exceeding its rated load could overheat and trigger a hearth. In some international locations (just like the U.Okay.) a fuse would possible blow earlier than the facility strip develop into overloaded. In different international locations, there is no such thing as a fuse to supply such safety.
Many energy strips present surge safety, and far of the time that’s what individuals consider when the time period is used. You may also purchase single pass-through sockets that present surge safety, however even these are rated for a particular load. In lots of situations, gadgets that don’t use quite a lot of energy (like a cellphone charger, alarm clock, or bedside lamp) are unlikely to trigger a difficulty.
Nonetheless, the chance will increase once you plug thirstier gadgets like kettles and heaters into an influence strip. In case you do plan on plugging one strip into one other, be sure that the entire energy draw doesn’t exceed the score of the strip closest to the wall. You’ll discover this score printed on the facility strip.
You also needs to be suspicious of low cost energy strips that will not be as much as code.
Need Extra Safety? Use a House Surge Suppressor
In case you’re longing for extra safety in opposition to energy surges, think about a complete home surge protector. These join on to your energy provide, defending the whole lot in your home in opposition to the dreaded surge.
Protectors just like the Siemens FS100 price just a few hundred {dollars} and supply whole-house safety. You not have to fret whether or not or not an costly gadget like a laptop computer or TV is linked to a surge protector, and lots of defend cellphone and cable strains too.
Complete Home Surge Protector
In case you’re sticking with energy strip surge protectors, understanding when to interchange your surge protector is essential.
RELATED: Why (and When) You Must Exchange Your Surge Protector