The Value of Connected Devices
High-end or expensive devices like gaming computers are usually more sensitive to surges and may contain irreplaceable data. Therefore, the more valuable your devices are, the more joules you may need.
October, 2024
Why Joule Rating Matters When Choosing Surge Protectors?
Surge Protection is Indispensable
Do you know your electronic devices, such as computers, TVs, and smartphones, can be potentially harmed by power surges? A power surge is a sudden increase in voltage in a short time. It can be caused by lightning strikes, power outages, or the switching of electronics with motors or compressors, such as air conditioners and hair dryers. Without proper protection, power surges may gradually damage your electronic devices and even lead to malfunction. That's why surge protectors play a pivotal role in safeguarding your valuable electronics.
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AC Sine Wave 
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AC Sine Wave (with Power Surges) 
What Are Joules?
A joule is a measurement unit of energy released over time, and it's one of the main criteria when selecting a surge protector. The number of joules, also known as the joule rating, indicates the amount of excess voltage a surge protector can absorb. Surge protectors typically offer ratings from a few hundred to thousands of joules. The higher the joule rating is, the greater protection a surge protector can provide.
Additionally, the joule rating varies by the quantity and size of Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs). MOVs are critical components of surge protectors that absorb excess voltage, protecting connected equipment from damage. Surge protectors generally contain multiple MOVs that work together to achieve their joule rating.
Factors Affecting How Many Joules You Need
There are no hard and fast rules for determining the number of joules required; however, there are some important factors that may influence the joule rating you need.
The Number of Connected Devices
Consider how many electronic devices you plan to connect to a surge protector. As the number of devices increases, generally, a higher joule rating is required to protect against power surges impacting multiple devices simultaneously.
Living in a Lightning-prone Area
Lightning strikes can cause massive voltage spikes that can damage a variety of electronics. As a result, if you live in places where lightning occurs frequently, it's recommended that you choose a surge protector with a high joule rating to offer a better defense against power surges.
The basic offerings on the market usually start from 500 to 1,000 joules. The higher the joule rating, the greater the protection.
The Myth of Joules in Surge Protection
Even though a surge protector comes with a certain level of protection, the joule rating that MOVs offer will gradually be depleted after each power surge event, and eventually, your surge protector will no longer be effective. Consequently, it's significant to check the status of your surge protectors through LED indicators and replace them with new ones when needed.
Check out Our Dependable Surge Protectors
In this digital age, we rely heavily on electronic devices, so investing in surge protectors is a wise choice to safeguard against unexpected power issues and extend the lifespan of connected electronics. As a professional power solution provider, CyberPower offers reliable surge protectors to meet your power needs and provide peace of mind.
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