Power surges are a common occurrence that can potentially damage electronic devices and appliances. To safeguard these valuable investments, many people turn to surge protectors. However, there is a growing trend of using insulating blankets as an additional protective measure. In this article, we will delve into the effectiveness of insulating blankets in safeguarding devices from power surges.
Understanding Power Surges:
Before delving into the potential of insulating blankets, it is essential to comprehend power surges. A power surge is a sudden and brief increase in voltage that exceeds the standard electrical flow. It can originate from various sources, such as lightning strikes, utility grid fluctuations, or switching off high-powered devices.
The Role of Surge Protectors:
Surge protectors are designed to divert excess voltage caused by power surges to the grounding wire, ensuring that it does not reach connected devices. They are equipped with numerous protective components, including metal oxide varistors (MOVs), gas discharge tubes (GDTs), and transient voltage suppressors (TVS). These devices respond swiftly to voltage fluctuations, successfully safeguarding electronics.
Insulating Blankets as an Additional Layer of Protection:
Insulating blankets, also known as surge blankets or surge protectors blankets, offer an additional layer of protection against power surges. These blankets are made of materials capable of absorbing and insulating excess energy.
Understanding Insulating Blankets:
Insulating blankets are constructed with multiple layers of fire-resistant fabrics carefully chosen for their insulating properties. They are designed to sandwich manufacturers’ high-quality insulating materials, creating a robust barrier that can withstand and dissipate electrical surges.
Benefits of Insulating Blankets:
1. Protection Against Non-Electrically Conductive Surges:
Insulating blankets offer protection against power surges that might not be effectively managed by traditional surge protectors alone. For instance, a nearby lightning strike or strong electromagnetic pulse (EMP) can induce a surge in devices through non-electrically conductive paths. Insulating blankets provide an additional layer of protection in such scenarios.
2. Reducing the Impact of Power Surges:
By absorbing and insulating excess energy, insulating blankets mitigate the adverse effects of power surges on connected devices. This added safeguard can potentially prevent costly damage or even premature equipment failure.
3. Portable and Versatile:
Insulating blankets are portable and versatile. They can be used on a wide range of devices, including sensitive equipment in industrial applications, household electronics, or even for outdoor activities. Their flexibility allows users to protect their devices in various scenarios.
Limitations of Insulating Blankets:
While insulating blankets offer an additional protective layer, it is essential to recognize their limitations:
1. No Surge Diversion:
Unlike surge protectors that divert excess voltage to the grounding wire, insulating blankets do not provide active surge diversion. They are designed for passive insulation and absorption of energy, complementing the primary protection provided by surge protectors.
2. Limited Protection During Direct Strikes:
In cases of direct lightning strikes or severe power surges entering through power lines, insulating blankets alone may not offer sufficient protection. High-energy surges of this magnitude may overwhelm passive insulating measures, necessitating the use of surge protectors and other protective measures.
While surge protectors remain the primary defense against power surges, insulating blankets can serve as a valuable additional layer of protection. These blankets provide insulation and help mitigate the harmful effects of both electrically and non-electrically conductive surges. However, it is important to remember that insulating blankets alone may not offer complete protection during severe surges, emphasizing the necessity of using them in conjunction with surge protectors and other protective measures.