What is a Surge protector?
A power board or device that absorbs voltage spikes so equipment survives a storm or a grid fault.
Surges happen when power returns after an outage, during lightning, or when a nearby fault trips. Computers, card terminals and NBN boxes die from them. A surge protector costs less than one replacement and has a joule rating and a wear-out date.
A UPS does the same and also keeps things running through short outages.
What to do
- Put the NBN box, phone system and terminals on protected boards.
- Replace protectors after a big surge; they wear out silently.
- Unplug sensitive equipment during long planned outages.