Frequent power outages can be more than just an inconvenience. The Island Garden City of Samal, for example, loses around P150 M per year due to the power crisis the province has been grappling with since 2016. Davao del Norte locals who are used to enduring four to five brownouts per day complain of damage to household appliances. Damaged electronics are not only costly to repair or replace; they pose a significant threat of fire to the home as well if appropriate preventive measures aren’t taken.
Aside from being vocal supporters of legislative action, Davaoeños need to take matters into their own hands. That means learning about the risks associated with power outages and investing in solutions to safeguard essential appliances, namely surge protectors and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) units.
Understanding the Risks of Power Outages
Power outages, though often temporary, can have lasting effects on various household devices. It is not so much the loss of power that damages electronics (although this is not the ideal way to power off appliances, either). It is when the power comes back on that the damage happens.
Fluctuations in electrical current and voltage, commonly referred to as power surges, may occur when power is restored. When devices experience a current surge, they receive more electricity than they can handle, resulting in potential damage. Similarly, voltage surges can cause extensive damage by delivering higher-than-expected levels of voltage to devices. Common household appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and microwaves are particularly vulnerable to these surges.
For example, when a refrigerator experiences a voltage surge, the compressor may be affected, leading to inadequate cooling, total breakdown, or, in severe cases, damaged electronics that can become a fire hazard. Similarly, air conditioners and computers contain intricate electronic components that can be adversely affected by fluctuations in power supply.
Unplugging appliances is the most surefire way to prevent damage from happening. Although it is a cumbersome task, it is highly doable if power outages are scheduled, or when someone is at home during a sudden brownout. But what about residents who need to go to work or school? Many Davaoeños have no choice but to leave their refrigerators plugged in when they vacate their homes for the day. One of the simplest and most effective ways to protect appliances is by using surge protectors.
Surge Protectors
These devices act as a barrier between electronic devices and fluctuating power. They are designed to detect voltage spikes and control the amount of electricity that is allowed to flow to connected devices.
Surge protectors contain components known as Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs) or Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) diodes. These components absorb excess voltage and divert it away from connected appliances. When the voltage exceeds a certain threshold, the MOV or TVS diode activates, shunting the excess voltage away from the appliance and into the grounding system of the house. This action prevents the surge from reaching sensitive electronics, protecting against damage.
The effectiveness of a surge protector is also determined by the speed at which it reacts to voltage changes. Quality surge protectors are designed to respond almost instantaneously to surges, often within nanoseconds. This rapid response time is crucial in preventing damage to electronics, which can be adversely affected by even brief voltage spikes.
Certain surge protectors include circuit breakers that prevent overheating or overload, which can occur if too many devices draw power simultaneously, say, the sudden powering on of multiple devices once electricity becomes available again. By shutting the power off in such situations, surge protectors can prevent appliance damage and fire hazards.
When selecting a surge protector, look for those that feature multiple outlets, that will allow multiple devices to connect simultaneously. This not only centralizes protection but also distributes surge protection capabilities across connected appliances. Some surge protectors also allow for “layered protection,” where primary and secondary protection circuits work together to provide multi-tiered defense against surges.
Look for units that provide protection for both current and voltage surges, have a high joule rating (indicating the amount of energy it can absorb), and indicators that show whether the unit is functional and protecting connected devices. Some models will also alert users if a surge has occurred or if the protection capability has been compromised. Regularly checking these indicators can help maintain appliance safety. It is also wise to replace surge protectors every few years as they can lose their effectiveness over time.
Uninterruptible Power Supply
Surge protection is good, but that will not keep appliances running. A backup battery is crucial for some devices with sensitive electronics. In addition to protecting them from physical damage, UPS units also safeguard valuable data. As all desktop computer users will know, there is a real risk of data loss due to sudden shutdowns.
A UPS is a battery backup system that provides a temporary power source during outages. By providing instant backup power, a UPS prevents abrupt shutdowns that could damage electronics or interrupt critical functions.
Beyond computers, UPS units are also vital to a home’s safety. They can keep essential security equipment such as home alarm systems powered during brownouts. UPS units are especially useful in keeping routers and modems functioning so that wifi-powered CCTVs remain connected to the internet.
When choosing a UPS unit, consider the wattage requirements of the devices to be protected. Look for models that offer automatic voltage regulation (AVR), which helps to maintain a consistent voltage level for devices, further safeguarding them from power fluctuations.
Protecting household appliances against the impacts of power outages is a crucial investment in a home’s longevity and functionality. By investing in surge protectors and UPS units, Davaoeños reduce the risk of expensive repairs and ensure their homes remain safe and comfortable while they wait for better power services.
