Protecting your gifts with surge protectors

December 11th, 2012

Appliance Talk

For a gift that keeps on giving, it’s hard to go wrong with an appliance in the Christmas stocking.  Imagine the joy of your friends and loved ones when they unwrap that shiny new gadget, or your own reaction if you were to find something for your kitchen or laundry under the tree…

Maybe not quite as happy as this lady, but you get the idea.

Okay, maybe appliances aren’t quite as exciting as other gifts, but if you know someone in real need, or someone who you know will get a lot of use out of such a gadget, they are a very thoughtful gift.  And isn’t it the thought that counts?

But how long will these gifts be able to keep on giving before a nasty power surge puts them out of commission?

Power surges and you

We’re in the middle of an Australian summer, and that means thunderstorms, heatwaves, bushfires, and more.

All of these can affect the normal running of the electricity grid, resulting in the blackouts and power surges that can ruin brand new appliances.

If your kitchen looks like this, UR DOIN IT WRONG

A lot of us are familiar with how sudden power surges can damage our computers and televisions, and take steps to prevent this by investing in a quality surge protector.

But did you know that your kitchen and laundry appliances are just as vulnerable to power surges as high-tech electronics, and require an equal amount of protection?

When the local substation overloads, you don’t want your fridge to suddenly sputter and die in a shower of sparks.  By keeping it powered through a surge protector, you can be confident that once the fuses are reset, you’ll still be able to enjoy fresh food and cool drinks.

Surge protectors keep gifts giving for longer

“Sure, power surges are nasty,” I hear you say, “but I’m willing to take the risk.  I mean, what are the chances of a sudden power surge frying Aunt Mildred’s new dishwasher, really?”

Fair enough.  In the great numbers game of life, those odds are relatively long, and besides, not even a surge protector can stop something like a lightning strike (here’s why).

But did you know that by simply powering that dishwasher through a surge protector, Aunt Mildred is likely to get a lot more use out of it over time?

The Thor B12R Green Board with Switch, for maintaining stable energy supplies AND charging USB devices!

Let me explain:

Not all power surges are big, attention-grabbing, lightbulb-exploding energy spikes.  Every time you turn on an electrical device, even just turning on a light, a small surge of energy goes through your household circuits.  While these don’t do any catastrophic damage to electronics on their own, over time they can wear down the electrical components of devices, reducing their operational lifespan.

In addition to throwing itself on the grenade of electrical overloads, a surge protector will cop the brunt of these mini-surges, ensuring that the flow of energy into your appliances is nice, stable and regular.  This results in less wear and tear on their electronic parts, and a longer overall lifespan.

But… a surge protector as a present?  Really?

Yeah, a surge protector isn’t exactly an inspiring gift on its own.

Unimpressed Turtle does not appreciate boring gifts

But how about this: throw one in along with the gift of an appliance from Appliances Online this Christmas.  The appliance will keep operating for longer, giving its recipient more time to reflect on how much you mean to each other.

D’awww… Feel the peace on Earth and goodwill to all men and women!