Replace Your Surge Protector Every 3-5 Years, Experts Say

Surge protectors quietly save your expensive gear from voltage spikes, but they don't last forever. Engadget reports that the metal-oxide varistors (MOVs) inside most plug-in surge protectors degrade over time, whether or not they ever face a surge. Repeated spikes speed up that wear.

The scary part: a surge protector can look fine and keep working even after its protection has failed. Some models shut off outlets when protection fails, but many don't. You won't always know you've lost protection.

First, make sure you're actually using a surge protector, not just a power strip. They look nearly identical. Engadget says surge protectors usually have an indicator labeled "Protected" or "Protection Present." Check your model's manual to learn what an unlit light means. On some, it signals failed protection. If the instructions say that, toss the unit and replace it.

Also, replace your surge protector if it's smoking, has scorch marks, or shows melting plastic. And after a direct lightning strike near your home, replace it, even if it looks fine. No standard surge protector can handle a direct hit, Engadget notes.

Don't plug space heaters into a surge protector strip. That kind of load can overheat the strip or degrade it much faster than normal.

How long should a surge protector last? It depends on the design and how many surges it has absorbed. Some manufacturers suggest replacing it every three to five years. That's a suggestion, not a guarantee. Even a premium model might not last five years.

If you don't know how old your surge protector is and can't tell if it's still working, replace it. When you buy a new one, look for clear protection status indicators and write down the purchase date somewhere you'll remember.

Don't treat a surge protector as a lightning shield. Engadget's advice: learn how your specific model works, follow the manual, and don't trust it to last five years, especially if you live somewhere with frequent afternoon thunderstorms.

• electrical safety
• Engadget
• home office
• power strips
• surge protector