Introduction
Surge protectors are essential components of any electronic setup. They protect your devices from voltage spikes and electrical surges, which can damage your electronics. However, what happens when you need more outlets than a single surge protector can provide? It’s common to wonder whether you can plug a surge protector into another surge protector. In this article, we’ll explore this question and provide you with insights into the risks and consequences of daisy-chaining surge protectors, as well as alternative ways to maximize outlet use.
Surge Protector Safety: Understanding the Risks of ‘Daisy-Chaining’
Daisy-chaining is the process of plugging one surge protector into another to extend the number of outlets available to you. This may seem like a convenient solution to your outlet problems, but it can lead to several risks that you need to be aware of.
Firstly, it’s important to note that surge protectors have a finite lifespan and can only protect your electronics for a limited period. The more surge protectors you connect, the more vulnerable your electronics become. Each surge protector has a clamping voltage that regulates the amount of voltage allowed to pass through it. If the surge protector has already reached its clamping voltage, there’s no guarantee that the next one connected will have enough capacity to handle a voltage surge.
Moreover, daisy-chaining surge protectors can cause excessive heat buildup, which increases the risk of electrical fires. The more surge protectors you connect, the higher the heat buildup, which can melt insulation and potentially start a fire.
How to Maximize Outlet Use Without Endangering Your Devices
The best way to maximize outlet use without putting your electronics at risk is to use a power strip. A power strip is similar to a surge protector, but it doesn’t have surge protection features. It’s an inexpensive and effective way of expanding your outlet supply, but remember that if you use a power strip, your devices won’t be protected from electrical surges.
Another solution is to use a single surge protector with a higher joule rating. Joules are the measure of how much energy a surge protector can absorb before it fails. The higher the number of joules, the better protected your electronics are. If you have many devices and want to expand your outlet supply, consider investing in a surge protector with higher joules capacity.
You can also minimize the number of cords and devices plugged in at one time to reduce the demand on your surge protectors. Unplugging devices that are not in use and adopting energy-saving practices can also help minimize the demand on your surge protectors.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Surge Protector Usage
Surge protectors are an important aspect of electronic safety, but they need to be used properly to be effective. Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:
Do:
- Use a surge protector with a high joule rating.
- Replace surge protectors every two years or after any major electrical event.
- Check the electrical capacity of your devices before connecting them.
- Consider investing in a battery backup surge protector.
Don’t:
- Plug a surge protector into another surge protector.
- Use a surge protector beyond its lifespan.
- Connect devices that exceed the electrical capacity of your surge protector.
- Use a power strip instead of a surge protector for electronics that require surge protection.
One Surge Protector or Two: What You Need to Know to Keep Your Electronics Safe
The difference between a power strip and a surge protector is clear: a power strip doesn’t offer surge protection, while a surge protector does. However, many people are unsure if you can use multiple surge protectors at the same time.
It’s worth noting that it’s not recommended to daisy-chain surge protectors, as we have already explained. However, if you need to connect multiple surge protectors, there’s a safe way to do it. Connect only one surge protector to your electrical outlet and then connect a power strip to the surge protector. This setup provides the extra outlets you need while also protecting all your devices from voltage surges.
Why Plugging a Surge Protector Into Another Surge Protector is Never a Good Idea
Scientific research and expert opinions agree that daisy-chaining surge protectors is a significant fire hazard. A 2015 survey conducted by the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) noted that electrical fires cause approximately 50,000 fires each year, resulting in nearly 500 deaths, 1,400 injuries, and over $1.3 billion in property damage.
The ESFI warns against connecting surge protectors to other surge protectors citing that “The power strips and surge protectors are not designed to handle the combined electrical energy that crosses their paths.” Furthermore, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has listed daisy-chaining surge protectors as one of their top four electrical safety hazards.
It’s crucial to keep your electronics safe and avoid unnecessary safety hazards. Plugging a surge protector into another surge protector may seem convenient, but the risks far outweigh the benefits.
Safe Alternatives to Daisy-Chaining Your Surge Protectors
There are several safe alternatives to connecting surge protectors as we have pointed out in this article. Using power strips instead of surge protectors is a good option if you just need additional outlets. However, if you have critical and expensive electronics that you need to keep safe from voltages and electrical surges, stick to a single high-quality surge protector.
If you have multiple surge protectors, the safest way to connect them is to plug one surge protector into the electrical outlet and then connect a power strip to it. You may also want to consider an extension cord that has surge protection features to connect your devices safely.
Another alternative is to convert a power strip into a surge protector. This solution is ideal if you already have a power strip and want surge protection features. To convert your power strip to a surge protector, buy a surge protector module or device, which you can plug into your power strip.
Conclusion
Surge protectors play a critical role in protecting your electronics from voltage surges and electrical hazards. It’s important to understand the risks of daisy-chaining surge protectors and not to do it. Instead, consider using a power strip or a single surge protector with a high joule rating. Keep in mind the do’s and don’ts of surge protector usage, and ensure that you follow them to keep your electronics safe. Lastly, consider sharing this article with others who may benefit from this important information.
