A surge protector is a device designed to protect electronic devices from voltage spikes or surges in electrical power. It works by diverting excess voltage to the grounding wire, thus preventing damage to the connected devices.
It is not necessary to use a surge protector for a refrigerator, but it is a precautionary measure to protect the appliance from power surges and voltage fluctuations. At an average cost of $500 – $2,000 for a basic refrigerator, a surge protector is insurance against a loss in this instance.
A refrigerator typically does not have a specified “joule rating” or surge protection rating like a surge protector or power strip. However, modern refrigerators often have built-in surge protection to protect their sensitive electronic components from power surges. The surge protection in a refrigerator may vary depending on the model and manufacturer.
It is always a good idea to check the owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer to determine the surge protection capabilities of a specific refrigerator model.
Power surges can cause significant damage
A power surge is a sudden increase in electrical current that can occur during lightning strikes, power outages, or when large appliances such as air conditioners or refrigerators turn on or off. These surges can damage the electrical components of a refrigerator and cause malfunctions or failure.
Some power surges will fry an appliance to the point where it either can’t be repaired or where it’s simply too expensive to do so.
Using a surge protector can help to prevent power surges from damaging your refrigerator. Surge protectors work by diverting excess electrical current away from your appliances and into the grounding wire, which protects them from damage.
Choosing a surge protector
Look for surge protectors that have a minimum rating of 600 joules or more to ensure adequate protection for your refrigerator. You can find surge protectors for $20 and up that are suitable for a fridge.
When choosing a surge protector for a refrigerator, it is important to select one that is specifically designed for use with large appliances and has a high joule rating, which indicates how much energy the device can absorb before it fails.
While using a surge protector can help to protect your refrigerator from power surges, it is important to remember that no surge protector can provide 100% protection against all types of electrical damage. Therefore, it is also important to unplug your refrigerator during severe storms or prolonged power outages to further protect it from electrical damage.
Whole house surge protection
While you may consider a surge protector just for your fridge, you can also have whole house surge protection installed albeit at a higher cost. On average, the cost of installing a whole home surge protector can range from $200 to $1,500.
The cost of installing a whole home surge protector can vary depending on several factors such as the size of the house, the electrical system configuration, and the location of the home. The installation cost may include the surge protector unit, labor, and any additional materials or permits required for installation.
It is always recommended to consult with a licensed electrician to determine the specific cost and requirements for installing a whole home surge protector in your home.
Final thoughts
Power surges can occur in a home for various reasons such as lightning strikes, power outages, electrical grid fluctuations, or turning on/off high power-consuming appliances. They are relatively common and can cause damage to electronic devices such as computers, TVs, and other appliances.
However, the severity and frequency of power surges can vary depending on the location and quality of the electrical infrastructure in the area. It is always a good idea to use surge protectors to protect expensive devices from potential damage caused by power surges.