However, it didn’t take long for that incredible discovery to explode onto the scene, and soon the story was being written chapters at a time. Then, one day, the power went out. And then what happened? Well, at that time, nothing — and it certainly wasn’t long after these realizations that the benefits of using an uninterrupted power supply became apparent.

The Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS)

The year was 1934 when John J. Hanely was accredited with the invention and realization of what we refer to as the first uninterrupted power supply (UPS). Electricity was a common resource in homes everywhere by this time, but it was Hanley’s reported concern for railway safety that sparked the first UPS.

The Benefits of Using an Uninterrupted Power Supply

Much like the advances in how we control, handle, and use electricity, UPS systems have also come a long way since Hanley’s invention. Today, UPS systems are widely used and expected in most critical operations.

UPS systems save computer system failures, prevent facilities from becoming inoperable, and more. Today, UPS systems also have backup UPS systems, providing even greater protection against power interruptions.

Surge protection in today’s world of UPS demand is often an unsung hero. Used in tandem with UPS systems, surge protection devices help ensure the UPS and your systems stay safe and up to the task.

Using passive circuits, surge protection devices recognize energy spikes, initiating them to conduct energy to stabilize the circuits. By preventing any interruption of power, surge protection devices safeguard and enable UPS systems to operate when needed.

Ham’s Electric, Inc. UPS Services 

If you are looking for mission-critical UPS systems, look no further than Ham’s Electric, Inc. We have operated as a mission-critical power specialist in Upland, California, providing reliable and expert mission-critical service to the Inland Empire since 1986.

We provide mission-critical services for hospital systems, telecom installations, computer facilities, critical equipment installations, and more. From medical systems, including MRI, NICU, ICU/CCU, switchgears, cath labs, nurse callers, surge protectors, fire alarms, and telecommunications, we are your mission-critical systems provider. Contact us to learn more about how we can help with your UPS systems today.

1. Maintaining Voltage Levels

Surge protectors help keep voltages within safe levels by either turning off or rerouting the excess voltage. This prevents damage to electronics by keeping them within a safe operating range. Surge protectors also help prevent data loss by protecting against voltage spikes that can corrupt data.

2. Stop Power System Issues

Surge protectors prevent power system issues by providing a safe path for current to flow. A surge protector is correctly installed and provides a low impedance connection between the electrical device and the grounding point. This ensures that any current flowing through the surge protector will be safely discharged into the ground instead of flowing through the electronic device. Circuits function more smoothly when there is less impedance, which can help to improve the overall performance of the electrical system.

3. Protect Business Equipment

Commercial businesses are especially vulnerable to power surges because they often have many interconnected electronic devices. A power surge can cause widespread damage and downtime if not adequately protected. Therefore, commercial surge protection is an essential consideration for any business that relies on electronic equipment. Equipment adequately protected against power surges is less likely to be damaged and will continue to function smoothly even during a power outage.

4. Protect Your Electrical System

Surge protectors are an essential part of your electrical system. They help keep voltages within safe levels and prevent damage to electronic devices. Surge protectors also help prevent power system issues by providing a safe path for current flow.

When choosing a surge protector, it is crucial to consider the voltage rating, the amount of current that the surge protector can handle, and the response time. The voltage rating is the maximum voltage the surge protector can safely handle, while the current rating is the maximum amount of current that the surge protector can safely conduct. The response time is the time it takes for the surge protector to react to a voltage spike and begin conducting current management.

Installing Surge Protection Devices

Surge protection devices can be installed in a few different ways. The most common method is to install them at the service entrance. This is the point where the power comes into your home or business. You can install the devices at individual circuits or outlets. It is essential to consult with a qualified electrician to determine the best location for surge protection devices.

Bottomline

At Ham’s Electric, Inc., we understand the importance of commercial surge protection. We offer a wide range of surge protectors to help keep your business’s electronic equipment safe from voltage spikes. We also offer installation services to ensure that your devices are properly protected against surges. Our team is here to help you keep your business running smoothly and efficiently. Contact us today to learn more about our commercial surge protection services.

By protecting your electrical system and your equipment, you save a significant amount of money in the long run on potential repairs or replacement. All it takes is an initial investment in surge protection, and you can trust that the investment will pay for itself in the long run.

When purchasing a surge protector for your business, make sure you find one with a sufficient surge protection rating, a high energy-absorption rating, sufficient clamping voltage and one that has enough outlets for the equipment you’ll be running (while considering max capacity).

Here are the main types of surge protectors you can choose from for your business:

• Level 1 surge protectors: The Level 1 surge protector (also referred to as a service entrance surge protector) is both the strongest and largest type of surge protector you’ll find on the market—and one that makes a very effective initial line of defense against potential power surges. These surge protectors get installed close to utility poles, right where the electricity comes into your main breaker panel. This type of exterior surge protector is designed to keep your equipment safe from surges that might come from lightning. They’ll usually feature alarm systems that inform you when they need to be replaced or repaired.
• Level 2 surge protectors: A Level 2 surge protector is designed to protect some of the electronic equipment you have that might be particularly sensitive to power surges. Typically, these surge protectors are located inside a building’s main breaker panel. They’re capable of offering protection against both small and large power surges and can be used in commercial, industrial or residential settings.
• Level 3 surge protectors: A Level 3 surge protector is one that’s most likely to be used at the outlet level and in residential or office settings. This type of surge protector is a power strip that plugs into an outlet to block lower-level power surges from reaching devices such as appliances, computers, TVs, power tools and other such equipment. They’re generally best used alongside other forms of surge protection to provide better overall protection to the electrical system.
• Level 4 surge protectors: A Level 4 surge protector can provide wired-in surge protection for industrial and commercial equipment. They’re often used for protecting devices such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), motor drives and servos. They come in wall-mounted and DIN-mounted layouts depending on your needs.

These are just a few examples of the types of surge protectors you can find on the market today. If you’re interested in learning more about the importance of surge protection and why you should use a surge protector in your building, we encourage you to contact our team at Ham’s Electric, Inc. with your questions.

Sometimes these terms are used interchangeably, but surge protectors and power strips aren’t one and the same. Below we’ll cover what a power strip is, what a surge protector is and the difference between the two.

What is a power strip?

A power strip serves as a type of extension cord and offers multiple power sockets while plugging into an outlet in the wall. They typically come in the shape of a long, thin rectangular bar (hence the name). Many power strips have a switch that can cut power to all the outlets at once. A power strip doesn’t provide protection in the event of a power surge.

What is a surge protector?

A surge protector is like a power strip in that it plugs into a single outlet and offers multiple sockets that you can plug your electronics into. Many times, surge protectors will come in a different shape than a power strip. Instead of a long thin bar, most surge protectors are larger rectangles or squares, allowing them to house the necessary circuitry and equipment for surge protection.

What’s the difference between a surge protector and a power strip?

The main difference between a power strip and a surge protector is that a surge protector guards against high voltage spikes that could damage your electronics. You’ll be able to tell the difference between a power strip and a surge protector by the packaging. A surge protector will tell you the amount of energy in Joules (usually anywhere between 1,000 and 4,000 Joules) the product it can withstand. The shape of the surge protector and its higher price point are some other ways to tell the difference between the two.

What is a power surge, and how does it happen?

A power surge is a large and sudden increase in the amount of voltage coming through your electrical wiring. Power surges can harm your electrical devices. They can be triggered in several different ways, many of which aren’t the homeowner’s fault. Faulty wiring, electrical overload, lightning strikes and power being restored after a blackout are just some of the ways a power surge can occur.

Why should I opt for a surge protector instead of a power strip?

If you live in an area where severe thunderstorms happen often, you might want a surge protector instead of a power strip. If you live in an older home with older wiring, or if you simply want to preserve some of your more cherished and important electrical devices, you could implement a surge protector in lieu of a power strip. The added cost pales in comparison to the increased safety your devices will have, in addition to the greater peace of mind.

Call for your surge protector today

Did you know that surge protectors can be wired into your business’s outlets? It’s true, and if you want to make this investment for your company, call the team at Ham’s Electric, Inc. We’ve been offering essential electrical services for commercial applications since 1986, and would love to tell you more about how we can help you.

Surge protection is a staple in any home or business in Upland, CA. Modern electrical codes mandate different forms of surge protection depending on the electrical application or installation type. But there is still a wide variety of optional surge protection systems available, many of which benefit home and business owners in the event of severe electrical anomalies.

Here’s a quick look at modern-day surge protection and how to choose the best product for you:

• Surge strips: These wall outlet extension strips safeguard everything plugged into them. They’re great for handling voltage spikes that might short low-voltage electronics. Keep in mind that power strips only add plugs to an outlet; surge strips offer surge protection.
• Wall mounts: Wall mounts serve much the same purpose as surge strips and are great for protecting single outlets and everything plugged into them. They’re installed over the outlet itself, with electronics plugging into the wall-mounted surge protector first.
• Point-of-energy protectors: These surge protectors are designed to protect your entire facility from power surges by addressing transient voltages at the point of power. These surge protectors often have a much, much higher capacity.
• Uninterruptible power supplies: These units kick on when transient voltages are detected, to continue powering connected systems with the correct power levels. Many uninterruptible power supplies come with built-in surge protection.

The first two surge protection products listed above are more applicable to households, where surge protection demands are lower. The latter products are safeguards against major power failures caused by huge surges and are best applicable in commercial settings. That said, there’s definitely some crossover.

Pay attention to power ratings

Finding the right surge protection products for you comes down to application and power ratings. For example, your TV doesn’t need an uninterruptible power supply—it just needs a surge strip to safeguard it against a transient power surge. To do this, you need to choose a surge protector with the right joules rating. Most low-voltage electronics—televisions, computers, fans, coffee makers, etc.—need surge protection with a rating of 2000 joules or more.

There’s also UL rating to consider. The lower the UL rating, the more protection a surge protector offers—it’s a representation of how many volts the surge protector will allow through to connected devices. Lower is better.

If you’re interested in learning more about surge protectors, how they work and getting recommendations for a surge protection solution, it’s best to consult with a professional. We here in Upland, CA see our fair share of violent storms with electrical activity each year, and it’s best to be prepared in the event of a power surge.