SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – Around Springfield today, homeowners and renters say they protect their electronics using surge protectors. Though many people assume any power strip will do, but electricians say some cheaper “surge protectors” are essentially modified extension cords that may not offer meaningful protection.
How power surges can damage your home (and your devices)
Burned and charred outlets, switches, and receptacles can come from a variety of causes. But Nathaniel Toms, owner of Mr. Electric, says some damage is linked to power surges.
“Sixty percent of the surges are going to be inside of your home, like your air conditioner kicking on, your water heater kicking on, or anything that is a large demand,” Toms said.
Toms explained that many of these everyday surges may seem minor — sometimes showing up as a light briefly getting brighter for a second — but the repeated electrical “bursts” can add up. Over time, he said, those fluctuations can wear down the internal components of appliances and electronics, from stoves to televisions…