Do I Need A Power Surge Protector For My Aircon?

Power surges happen more frequently than you think; most are just small fluctuations that we can barely feel. However, these small spikes can gradually damage your appliances – especially your aircon. This is why it is wise to invest in a Power Surge Protector to protect your air conditioner especially if you live in an area with frequent power surges.

A power surge protector shuts off the power supply to your aircon when it detects unusually high voltage fluctuations. This saves your air conditioner from the brunt of the damage of a power surge.

In this article, we will explain how a power surge affects your aircon, and why you should invest in a power surge protector for your air conditioner.

What is a Power Surge Protector?

As stated earlier, the power surge protector works by shutting off the power supply to your aircon when it detects unusually high voltage fluctuations.

The surge protector is a must if you live in an area with nearby malls or factories. It is also quite inexpensive and easy to use. However, this protection may not be enough if you live in an area with regular power fluctuations.

Why should you buy a power surge protector for your aircon?

Power surges are more than just mild annoyances; they can cause damage to your appliances as well.

What is a power surge

A power surge is a short-duration (3 nanoseconds) oversupply of voltage that increases the voltage significantly above the standard level.

Power surges can happen internally (i.e. electrical overload, damaged wiring) or from external causes (lightning strike, power outages).

In the Philippines, the standard voltage is 220V at a frequency of 60Hz, and appliances are designed according to this standard. However, most appliances are rated at ±10% 230V, which means that they can work between 207V to 253V. A damaging power surge is anything above 253V.

How does a power surge affect your aircon

Power surges can not only destroy your aircon, it can also start an electrical fire.

A strong power surge can cause an arcing of electrical current in your aircon. This produces heat and can make your air conditioner’s parts to overheat.

Aircons with microprocessors and inverter boards are especially susceptible to damage as strong power surges can fry these parts and even melt some of the plastic parts away.

While weak power surges have a low chance of destroying your air conditioner outright, it can build incremental damage to it, affecting its performance and shortening its lifespan overtime.

What are the benefits of having a Power Surge Protector for your aircon

Aside from protecting your aircon from the effects of a power surge, a power surge protector also gives you the following benefits:

They are inexpensive and easy to use

Power surge protectors can be had for less than ₱1,000. They also have a plug-and-play installation; use it the same way you use an adapter.

Also protects your aircon from low voltage fluctuations

Low voltage fluctuations can cause damage to your aircon. Some power surge protectors also shut down your air conditioner when it detects a voltage deficit, thereby preventing its compressor from stalling and overheating.

Prolongs the lifespan of your air conditioner

Get a longer usable life from your aircon by investing in a power surge protector. It prevents the accumulated damage of weak-but-frequent power surges, and helps protect against the one-time-big-time power surge that can destroy your aircon outright.

Conclusion

Air conditioners are expensive upfront but will last you decades if you take care of it right.

I highly recommend that you should invest in power protection equipment such a power surge protector to safeguard your investment and to prolong the usable life of your aircon.