Power Protection FEATURED ARTICLE

Power sources bring a lot of value to our environments. At the same time, they can also open us up to dangers if we don’t protect our valuable assets. For this reason, we often make investments in surge protectors and power strips. If the surge protector fails, however, the result could be fried equipment, or worse.

In New Jersey, the result of a surge protector gone bad led to a disastrous house fire. According to the township fire company chief, the surge protector overheated and caught fire. This wasn’t a case of an overloaded protector as not one of the electronics attached to it was in use. Plus, the protector appeared to be a newer model.

Featured in a NJ report, this story highlights how power protection devices must be vetted before use. Reportedly, Schneider Electric (News - Alert) recalled millions of surge protectors that had been sold over a 10-year period. The recall appears to have been instigated by more than 700 reports of protectors or power strips overheating and melting. The surge protector in this case was not on the recall list.

The Federal Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that 55 customers filed claims of property damage due to smoke and fire. Injuries were reported by 13 people, with reports covering smoke inhalation to burns from touching overheated protectors. In many of these situations, is it possible that consumers are relying on generic products to protect high-end electronics?

Much like in the corporate environment, the equipment selected to protect assets must be equipped for that asset. Likewise, power protection devices need to adhere to a specific standard to ensure equipment is safe, as well as the individuals who use that equipment. It’s one thing to lose a server; it’s quite another to lose a life.

That’s why companies throughout the world rely on Minuteman products to deliver the power protection they need. Minuteman’s full suite of solutions is designed with the user in mind, providing high quality protection in any environment. Plus, most Minuteman surge protectors offer Advanced X3 MOV (metal oxide varistor) hardware to ensure enhanced fire protection.

Companies delivering access to safe power usage must play close attention to the user and their ultimate experience. That experience relies on the safe operation of electronic devices connected to power sources. If the name on the side isn’t Minuteman, the risk may be too high.