The Importance of using a Spike Guard to Protect your Electronic Devices.
Today we’re delving into a topic that’s essential but can save you a ton of headaches and money. The importance of using a spike guard to protect your valuable electronic devices. Let’s jump right in!
When working or living inside a ship, it becomes a habit to use sensitive electronic devices such as PCs, laptops, smartphones, printers, or TVs. These devices play a crucial role in your life onboard. Therefore, it is important to take proper care of this equipment to increase its lifespan and minimize the need for maintenance.
Today, let’s discuss the importance of providing a stable power supply without voltage fluctuations to ensure the longevity of the sensitive electronics inside these devices.
Understanding Power Spikes
Alright, let’s start with the basics. You might have heard the term ‘power spikes,’ but what exactly does it mean in the context of our ship’s power supply? Well, a power spike, also known as a power surge, is a sudden, brief surge in voltage that can happen in the electrical system.
So, what’s causing these power spikes in the Ship’s power supply Network?
There are external factors, like lightning strikes and utility grid switching, that are beyond our control. But internal factors can also play a significant role. Faulty wiring and sudden changes in power usage can lead to these voltage fluctuations.
How do appliances create Voltage Spikes?
Certainly, electronic devices that we commonly use inside the ship can lead to power spikes within the ship’s power distribution network. Surprisingly, devices such as air conditioners, refrigerators, pumps, motors, heaters, geysers, fans, blowers, washing machines, cranes, hot plates and various other high-power equipment have the unintended capability to generate power spikes during their starting up or shutdown processes.
Upon startup, these devices draw a high current (this startup current is called Inrush Current) and increase the power demand on the Ship’s power distribution network (This increased power demand is called Power Spike). This can lead to sudden energy surges and voltage drops within the stable network.
Conversely, upon their shutdown, they can emit sudden bursts of energy back into the power lines. These actions have the potential to induce voltage fluctuations, consequently impacting other interconnected devices that share the same circuitry.
The magnitude of the potential power spike generated by any equipment may escalate by the power consumption magnitude of the respective equipment. For instance, high-power appliances such as air conditioners, ovens, grinders, heaters, geysers, and motors, pumps, cranes, hot plates, motors, blowers, air handling units (AHUs) possess the capacity to generate voltage spikes at notably substantial levels.
Even though these spikes might be short-lived, they can wreak havoc on the sensitive electronics inside electric-powered equipment and, will decrease the life span of the electronics.
Safeguarding with Spike Guard
Now, picture this scenario. You’ve invested your hard-earned money in those top-of-the-line electronics like a powerful PC, a cutting-edge TV, a high-quality printer, a gaming laptop or a flagship smartphone. The last thing you want is for a power spike to hit and fry their delicate circuitry. This is where spike guards come into play.
Spike guards, or surge protectors, are your electronics’ best friends. They act as a barrier between your precious devices and the unpredictable surges in power. By diverting excess voltage away from your electronics, they ensure that only safe levels of electricity reach your gear.
But how does a spike guard do its job?
It’s all about the technology inside. Spike guards are equipped with components like Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs) and Gas Discharge Tubes. These clever bits detect any voltage surges and redirect the extra energy safely to the ground, keeping your devices unharmed.
Some spike guards also come with indicator lights, giving you a clear signal about their functionality whether they’re still providing protection or if they’ve taken a hit and need replacing.
What do I use to safeguard my electric appliances from spikes?
I utilize the Anchor brand Spike Guard to ensure the protection of my All-in-One PC and smartphones. This product is manufactured by the well-known Panasonic company. I acquired this product from Amazon at an affordable price of 399 Indian Rupees. If you’re interested, I’ve included the product link HERE for your convenience.
This Spike Guard incorporates 14D471K Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs), which offer robust surge and spike protection. Additionally, it features a 6 Ampere fuse that serves to safeguard connected peripherals from overloads.
Moreover, an automatic LED indication feature is integrated to verify the accuracy of the input power supply without requiring connection to appliances. This feature guarantees the safety of connected devices and residents by offering protective measures.
The amalgamation of three LED lights provides insights into various conditions: proper operational status, absence of grounding, absence of Neutral connection, reverse power condition of Live and Neutral connections, and reverse power condition of Live and Ground connections. Furthermore, a dedicated LED indicates the status of the blown fuse.
The Spike Guard comprises an ABS material cover and base, a three-pin round moulded plug, and a 1.5-meter power cord. It is rated for 6 Amperes, 240 Volts, and 50 Hertz, ensuring reliable performance.
Hence, standard Extension Cords seems like in the below image are insufficient for safeguarding your appliances against spikes. It’s imperative to consider upgrading to a Spike Guard.
That’s a wrap for today! I hope you found this information enlightening and now understand why spike guards are a must-have with every sensitive electronic appliance.
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