A surge protector does still work when turned off. To understand why, we need to first understand how surge protectors function and why they are necessary.
A surge protector, also known as a surge suppressor or surge diverter, is a device designed to protect electrical appliances and devices from voltage spikes or surges. These surges can occur due to lightning strikes, power grid fluctuations, or even when large appliances turn on or off in your home. These surges can cause significant damage to your electronics, leading to costly repairs or even rendering them unusable.
The primary purpose of a surge protector is to divert excess voltage away from your appliances, preventing it from reaching and damaging them. This is achieved through the use of metal oxide varistors (MOVs) or gas discharge tubes (GDTs) inside the surge protector. When a surge occurs, these components detect the excess voltage and divert it to the ground, protecting your appliances.
Now, coming back to the question at hand, when a surge protector is turned off, it means that the power supply to the surge protector is disconnected. In this state, the surge protector is essentially acting as a power strip without any surge protection capabilities. However, the surge protection components, such as the MOVs or GDTs, are still present inside the surge protector.
So, even though the surge protector is turned off and not actively protecting your appliances, it still acts as a physical barrier between your devices and the power source. This means that if there is a surge while the surge protector is turned off, it may not be able to divert the excess voltage away from your appliances. However, it can still provide some level of protection by acting as a power strip and preventing electrical currents from reaching your devices.
It is worth noting that surge protectors are not foolproof and have limitations. They have a finite lifespan and can wear out over time, especially if they have been subjected to frequent surges. Some surge protectors also come with indicators or lights that indicate if the surge protection components are still functioning properly. It is important to periodically check these indicators and replace the surge protector if necessary.
In my personal experience, I have had instances where a surge protector was turned off during a thunderstorm, and while it provided some level of protection by acting as a power strip, one of my devices still ended up getting damaged due to a surge. This highlights the importance of keeping your surge protector turned on and ensuring that it is in good working condition.
So, while a surge protector does still provide some level of protection even when turned off, it is highly recommended to keep it turned on at all times to fully benefit from its surge protection capabilities. Additionally, it is important to invest in a high-quality surge protector and replace it periodically to ensure optimal protection for your valuable electronics.