Electrical appliances are a nifty tool to have everywhere around the house. They make life easier, are very practical and easy to operate.
Nowadays, every household has at least three to four machines that take care of about a certain percentage of the chores at home. The convenience they have brought into our lives has made us accommodate them into almost every aspect of living.
These machines, however, also require specific care so that they can last a long time while working efficiently. You’ll have to make sure that they are being used for the purpose that they were made; the correct electrical plugs are used to provide power and clean them as and when required.
One question that I get asked frequently in my day job is whether you can plug a microwave into a surge protector or not.
My general recommendation is to use a surge protector if your area is prone to electrical surges. Microwaves can be pricey, so why wouldn’t you want to secure them from electrical fluctuations and outages? Good quality surge protectors are also inexpensive and worth it for the peace of mind alone.
Think of it like this. It’s like an insurance policy for your microwave. You could use your appliance without one, but there’s no guarantee that your microwave will survive multiple power surges, so it’s better to have the added security so that you don’t lose out on your purchase of the microwave.
In this article, we’ll be looking at things like why you should use a surge protector and what exactly is a surge protector and many more.
But, for a quick reference, here’s a table letting you know exactly what you can plug your microwave into:
OUTLET | Can microwave be plugged in? |
---|---|
Extension cord | Never |
Power strip | Never |
Surge protector | Yes |
What is the Correct Surge Protector for a Microwave?
Well, there isn’t one specific surge protector for all microwaves; it will depend on the watt requirement of the appliance. There are a variety of different surge protectors that can be used for heavy-duty and light electrical appliances. The key is to make the right pair for the appliance.
There are two primary types of surge protectors; one is the whole house surge protector that you put in the main electrical panel for your household, and it protects all appliances in the home. The other is the point-of-use surge protector we are all familiar with. These are strip-like devices generally plugged into the home’s electrical outlets and act as a barrier between the main outlet and the appliance.
You will have to look for protectors that can handle up to 6000 volts. Also, make sure all your surge protectors have the proper certification from legal boards. The device should also have an internal fuse that acts as a line of defense if there is any surge in power.
What is a Surge Protector?
A Surge protector can be a small appliance or a device that protects other larger electronic appliances or devices from power surges that may occur. These devices come in many forms, and some even allow you to plug in several electronic components into one electrical outlet.
It works by diverting excess electrical current to the grounding wires, which run parallel to the neutral and hot wires. If there is a sudden increase or surge in the voltage, this handy equipment will ensure that your appliances won’t take the brunt of the electric energy head-on.
Now, when do you need a surge protector? It’s a common dilemma for home owners to figure out which electrical outages they’ll need to prep for in the house.
If you’ve ever been concerned about sudden power surges that may damage electrical appliances, then its probably a good time to invest in a quality surge protector.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Getting a Surge Protector.
Well, the advantages are a no-brainer. They will make sure all your eternal electrical appliances are safe, and your home is well protected. They are very easy to maintain, and the cost of repairing appliances will reduce in the long run. They are also very reasonable priced.
The only disadvantage of having a protector is that they do not outlive the appliances. Since they act as barriers during surges, they take on whatever damage is inflicted and must be changed periodically.
Wrapping Up
Having surge protectors will only boost your appliance’s life span. It can be a great way to secure your electrical outlets for added safety to your home.
You can definitely use a surge protector for your microwave, and you just need to make sure that you get one that’s meant for the microwave you have.
Further Reading
https://www.hunker.com/13407901/what-is-the-correct-surge-protector-for-a-microwave