Indiana Electric Cooperatives advises Hoosiers to learn the importance of having a reliable surge protector to safeguard their electronics. Surge protectors save electronics from power surges or increases in voltage significantly above the intended level in the flow of electricity. While power surges are commonly associated with lightning and storms, power surges can happen at any time of day.

Point-of-use surge protection devices, the most common type of surge protector, protect the items that are directly plugged into it from electrical surges. Another option is service entrance surge protection devices, which protect your home’s entire electrical system and are mounted on your main electrical panel at the base of the electric meter.

Smaller surges may still damage electronics and gradually shorten the device’s life. High-powered pieces of equipment are more likely than lightning to cause power outages. While power surges can destroy electronic devices, they can even start a house fire.

“While these surges are not as intense as lightning surges, they can be severe enough to damage equipment and technology,” said Tom VanParis, CEO of Indiana Electric Cooperatives. “But the damage often could have been mitigated if the consumer had used a surge protector.”

Surge protectors serve as safeguards to protect your electronics. Although they are not 100 percent effective during thunderstorms, surge protectors are inexpensive and can save your valuable electronics during common, everyday surges.