How Long Do Surge Protectors Last and When Should You Replace Them?
Surge protectors are a necessity for safeguarding your electronics from sudden power surges and spikes. Whether it is a lightning storm or a sudden voltage spike from the local grid, they save your valuable electronics from significant damage. Like all tech, surge protectors do not last a lifetime. Knowing how long they last and when to change them is essential for keeping your devices safe. In this article, we'll examine how long surge protectors typically last, the factors that affect their longevity, and how to tell when to change yours.
How Does a Surge Protector Work?
To understand when to replace a surge protector, it is useful to understand how it works. Surge protectors absorb excess voltage and redirect it away from your electronics. This is especially required in the case of power surges or spikes, which occur frequently in the case of lightning strikes, faulty wiring, or the turning on of large appliances.
The core of a surge protector is a Metal Oxide Varistor (MOV). When a surge occurs, the MOV absorbs the excess energy and redirects it into the ground, effectively "clamping" the voltage so that it doesn't reach your gear. Most surge protectors also have a clamping voltage rating, which indicates when the protector starts to work. If the surge goes over this rating, the protector redirects the energy, safeguarding your electronics.
While surge protectors are very good at handling power spikes, they cannot do so indefinitely. Over time, as they absorb more and more surges, their protective capacity fades away.
What Affects the Life Expectancy of a Surge Protector?
A variety of circumstances influence the lifespan of a surge protector, such as how it is used, its quality, the conditions in which it is placed, and its age. Knowing these circumstances can enable you to estimate how long your surge protector will last and when you should replace it.
Usage Frequency
Each time a surge protector absorbs a power surge, it loses a bit of its strength. Surge protectors designed to take in smaller, more frequent surges will survive longer when exposed to infrequent surges. However, if you live in an area with common lightning storms or common electrical issues, your surge protector will not last as long. Simply put, the more power surges your protector takes in, the shorter its lifespan will be.
Quality of the Protector
Not all surge protectors are created equal. More robust models typically have larger MOVs and higher-quality internal components that are better able to handle more energy, lasting longer under protection. Cheaper surge protectors degrade faster and provide less protection, especially against high-voltage surges. When buying a surge protector, the best choice is to buy a reputable brand name that is known for using quality materials and backing their products with warranties for added peace of mind.
The EcoFlow Surge Protector is a great instance of a quality protector, with numerous reviews commending it for the different outlets and the presence of both USB-A and USB-C ports. The durable cord design and compatibility with EcoFlow devices are also well-liked by many users. Despite the good construction and performance, however, it's ideal to have it replaced if it already shows signs of wear, because all surge protectors degrade over time.
Environmental Factors
The environment in which your surge protector operates greatly determines its longevity. High heat, humidity, and moisture can degrade the internal components of the protector, causing it to age quickly. Surge protectors operated near space heaters, direct sunlight, or damp areas may not last as expected when compared to those operated in cooler and drier settings. Operating your surge protector in a humid or wet environment, like a basement, leads to an increased risk of internal rusting, which may disrupt its function.
Age of the Protector
As with any electronics, surge protectors also weaken over time. Even if they haven't had to handle many surges, the internal components, especially the MOVs, can lose their ability to absorb voltage over time. The protector loses effectiveness as it ages and is therefore less reliable. Even without any visible damage, it's a good policy to replace your surge protector every 3-5 years to ensure that your electronics are still completely protected.
How Do You Know When You Need to Replace a Surge Protector?
It is not always simple to recognize when you should replace your surge protector because most of its signs of wear are not easily noticed. However, there are several obvious signs that you should replace the protector.
Visible Damage
The most obvious sign that you should change your surge protector is physical damage. Look for burn marks, cracks, or any damage to the casing. If the protector has absorbed a particularly large surge, you may notice discoloration or other signs of damage that make it obvious it's no longer safe to use. If you find any visible damage, it's time to replace it with a new one.
Loss of Indicator Lights
Most surge protectors also feature indicator lights that inform you whether the protector is still functional. When the light dies or starts flashing, it's a sign that the protector is no longer providing much protection. Some models also feature a "protected" light that goes out if the internal circuitry has been damaged. If this light is no longer lit, it's time to purchase a new one.
Excessive Tripping
If your surge protector is tripping a lot, even during normal use, it could be an indication that it's losing its ability to handle overvoltage. While surge protectors will trip when there are big power surges, tripping frequently is an indication that the protector is struggling to handle the energy passing through. If this happens on a regular basis, it's a good sign that the protector has burned out and should be replaced.
Can a Surge Protector be Reset or Fixed?
Most surge protectors can't be reset or repaired after absorbing a big surge. Some surge protectors also have a reset button, but this will only work for small surges or if the protector hasn't absorbed too much energy. If your surge protector has been hit by a big surge, like one from a lightning strike, it's usually best to replace the entire unit. The parts inside the protector, especially the MOVs, are only rated to absorb so much energy. After a big surge has been absorbed, these parts will no longer provide any actual protection, even if the protector still appears to be working.
What Happens If You Don't Replace a Worn-Out Surge Protector?
Not replacing a worn-out surge protector is taking an unnecessary risk with your electronics. Without protection, power surges can harm or destroy sensitive components within your devices. Surges can cause issues such as overheating, short-circuiting, or complete failure. Replacing a surge protector is a small investment compared to replacing destroyed electronics.
A worn-out surge protector may also cause erratic performance from your devices, such as flashing lights, slow charging, or unstable operation. By changing your surge protector as required, you'll avoid these potential issues and keep your devices functioning properly.
FAQs
Q1. How do I know if my surge protector is still in good condition?
You can check if your surge protector is still in good condition by looking for the indicator light. Most units have a light to indicate the protector is engaged and providing protection. If there is no light or the light is fading, it's a sign that protector is no longer in good condition. You can also look for physical damage signs such as burns or cracks. If you notice any such damage, it's time to replace the surge protector.
Q2. Can I extend the life of my surge protector?
Yes, you can extend the life of your surge protector by keeping it in a cool, dry place and away from excessive heat or moisture. It's also not recommended to overload the protector with too many devices since this will create unnecessary stress on the internal components. Inspect regularly for wear and tear and replace it if you notice any issues, such as discoloration or faulty indicator lights.
Q3. How do I dispose of an old surge protector?
Surge protectors are e-waste and should be disposed of in an authorized e-waste recycling facility. Never dispose of them in regular garbage since they contain components that are toxic to the environment. Your local recycling facility or stores usually have e-waste drop-off centers. Enquire with your municipality about the proper disposal channels for old surge protectors.
Q4. Do I need to replace my surge protector after a lightning storm?
If your surge protector has been struck by a large surge from a lightning storm, it's worth the money to replace it. Even if the protector did not trip during the storm, the voltage from a lightning strike can deteriorate its internal parts. To keep your equipment still protected, it's best to change the surge protector after a large storm.
Conclusion
When to Replace Your Surge Protector Surge protectors are required to keep your electronics protected from power surges, but they're not made to survive forever. Most surge protectors will last 3-5 years, depending on quality and usage. You should change your surge protector when you begin to notice signs of wear, such as physical damage, a reduction of indicator lights, or repeated tripping. Changing your surge protector every couple of years will keep your electronics protected from harmful power surges and keep them functioning properly.