Understanding the Difference Between Protected and Grounded on a Power Strip Surge Protector
When it comes to protecting your electronic devices from damage, two key terms often come up: protected and grounded. Understanding the differences between these terms is crucial for selecting the right power strip surge protector for your devices. In this article, we will delve into what these terms mean and how they impact the safety and longevity of your electronic devices.
What Does “Protected” Mean?
The term “protected” on a power strip surge protector refers to its built-in surge protection capabilities. This means that the power strip can absorb and divert excess voltage caused by power surges, such as those from lightning strikes or electrical fluctuations. The surge protector typically has a rating expressed in joules, which indicates how much energy it can safely absorb before failing.
A surge protector is not just a passive device that prevents damage; it actively works to safeguard your devices. When a voltage surge occurs, the surge protector will redirect excess energy away from your devices and towards its own components, protecting the connected devices from potential damage.
What Does “Grounded” Mean?
On the other hand, grounded pertains to the electrical grounding of the power strip. A grounded power strip includes a third prong—often a round pin—which connects to the ground wire in your electrical system. This connection provides a safe path for excess electricity to flow into the ground, thereby reducing the risk of electric shock and equipment damage.
Grounding is particularly important for safety, especially in the event of faults or surges. By providing an alternative path for electricity to flow, grounding helps to minimize the risk of electrical hazards. This is why many safety standards require devices to be properly grounded.
Diagram Comparison
To illustrate the differences, let's take a look at two different diagrams:
No Grounded Protection: In this diagram, the power strip only has surge protection between the active and neutral lines. While this provides some level of protection, the primary concern lies in the fact that active and neutral lines are often the same length and follow the same route. This means that any surge induced in the active line is likely to be induced in the neutral line too. Therefore, even with surge protection, the devices connected might not be fully safeguarded. Complete Grounded Protection: In this diagram, the power strip not only includes surge protection between the active and neutral lines but also provides a full surge protection solution. This means that the surge protector diverts any surge coming in on all lines (active, neutral, and earth) to ground. This kind of setup ensures that the devices are protected against voltage surges and minimizes the risk of electrical damage or shock.Conclusion
In summary, while “protected” refers to the surge protection capabilities of a power strip, “grounded” refers to the electrical grounding of the power strip. Both features are crucial for safe and effective protection of your electronic devices. It’s important to look for products that offer both protection and grounding to ensure the best possible safeguarding.
N.B. If you are unsure about the terms or the specific features of your surge protector, always refer to the manual or consult a professional. Proper understanding and installation of these devices can go a long way in protecting your valuable electronics and ensuring your safety.