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 fridge. This is why it is wise to invest in a Power Surge Protector to protect your refrigerator especially if you live in an area with frequent power surges.
A power surge protector shuts off the power supply to your refrigerator when it detects unusually high voltage fluctuations. This saves your fridge from the brunt of the damage of a power surge.
In this article, we will explain how a power surge affects your refrigerator, and why you should invest in a power surge protector for your refrigerator.
What is a Power Surge Protector?
As stated earlier, the power surge protector works by shutting off the power supply to your refrigerator 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 refrigerator?
Power surges are more than just mild annoyances; they can cause damage to your appliances as well – especially to the ones that are constantly plugged in and in use (i.e. refrigerators and freezers).
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.
Power surges can not only destroy your refrigerator, it can also start an electrical fire. A strong power surge can cause an arcing of electrical current in your refrigerator. This produces heat and can make your refrigerator’s parts to overheat.
Refrigerators 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 refrigerator outright, it can build incremental damage to your refrigerator, affecting its performance and shortening its lifespan overtime.
What are the benefits of having a Power Surge Protector for your refrigerator
Aside from protecting your refrigerator 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 refrigerator from low voltage fluctuations
Low voltage fluctuations can cause damage to your refrigerator. Some power surge protectors also shut down your refrigerator when it detects a voltage deficit, thereby preventing your fridge’s compressor from stalling and overheating.
Prolongs the lifespan of your refrigerator
Get a longer usable life from your refrigerator 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 refrigerator outright.
What types of refrigerators need a Power Surge Protector?
Because refrigerators are expensive and have a long usable life, I suggest that your refrigerator should be equipped with some type of power surge protector. However, which kind?
For non-inverter refrigerators, freezers, and beverage coolers, I suggest that you pick up a basic Power on Delay model with a built-in power surge protector. This will give you an all around protection against power surges, low voltage fluctuations, and brownouts.
For inverter refrigerators and those that have fancy electronics, I suggest that you invest in an AVR. This should also be the choice for someone who lives in an area with an inconsistent power supply. You should also consider getting a model with a built-in Power on Delay function to cover your bases.
The AVR does a better job than the power surge protector at protecting your refrigerator from power surges and low voltage fluctuations since it regulates the incoming voltage instead of just shutting off of your refrigerator when it detects either high or low voltage.
Conclusion
Refrigerators 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 refrigerator.
Miguel Mores worked for 5 years as a member of the product management team for a home appliance company in the Philippines. He started 101appliance to answer the most common customer questions that he has encountered during his time in the industry. He now works in the digital marketing field and manages a small online bookstore on the side.
What about product recommendations for the American market? I’m not sure I can get panther here and companies like ZeroSurge charge around $250 for a good surge protector.
my icemaker quit working. repairman ordered a new one and a new “mother Board”. he requested I purchase a surge protector of 3,000 Jules before he can fix it. my hardware store did not have one that high. why do I need one at all?? I have had the refrigerator for about 10 years and this is just quite a shock to me.. is this standard??