Surges are short-term increases in voltage, typically lasting
at least 1/100 of a second and result when high-powered electrical
motors, such as air conditioners and household appliances, are
switched off, causing extra voltage to dissipate through the power
line. They can also occur from within the electric company's "electrical
grid" or "network." Without surge protection, sensitive
electronic components in an espresso machine can be prematurely
damaged or destroyed. These components include, but are not limited
to heating elements, thermostat controls, pressurstats, and brain
units.
As most people are aware, it is very important to place a surge
suppressor on your computer system. Have you ever wondered if
the same should be done for your espresso machine? Many home model
espresso machine owners do not think of protecting their investment,
but it is very important to do so.
Suppressors work by absorbing some of the electrical surge and
diverting the rest to ground. That's why all plug-in surge suppressors
have three-prong plugs and receptacles. If you cut off the suppressor
ground pin to make it fit a two-prong wall receptacle, you will
eliminate its effectiveness.
Home model espresso machines have many electrical components
- from the power cord to the heating element, and in some cases,
to the motherboard, or what we call the black box. We have seen
all these parts, in one shape, form, or another become prematurely
defective due to electrical surges in the electrical lines of
some homeowners and cafes. Therefore, it is important to protect
your espresso machine investment from 1st-line Equipment with
a surge suppressor.
Surge suppressors are rated in joule (pronounced [jool, joul]).
The abbreviation is J, and it is defined as a unit of work or
energy in the mks system of units, which is based on the metric
system; it is the work done or energy expended by a force of 1
newton acting through a distance of 1 meter. The joule is named
for James P. Joule.
When shopping for the a surge suppressor, it is important to
select one with a higher joules rating as the higher ratings will
offer a greater level of protection for your equipment AND with
a lower "maximum voltage" rating. Hundreds of surge
suppressor brands and models are available. However, quality should
be no sacrifice to price after purchasing an espresso machine
ranging in price from $200 to $2,000.
Please go to your local hardware store or your nearest home
improvement store and search for power protection with a minimum
joule rating of 1080 joules or higher. We also strongly recommend
that
a) the surge suppressor be a single outlet type where only
the espresso machine will be connected to it, AND
b) if you have a timer on the outlet, you should plug in the
timer first, then the surge suppressor, and then the espresso
machine. We have found in several instances that timers can
cause a surge.
Spikes, also referred to as impulses, are instantaneous, dramatic
increases in voltage. A spike can enter all household appliances
and electronic equipment through your power, cable, or phone lines.
Spikes are typically caused by a nearby lightning strike, but
they can also occur when utility power comes back online after
having been knocked out. Like high-voltage surges, spikes can
severely damage or completely destroy many electrical components
of your espresso machine. Sometimes, a fire can result from such
a spike in voltage.
One way to protect from spikes is with the installation of Surge
Arrestors. A surge arrestor is the initial step for whole-house
protection of appliances because it safeguards all hard-wired
equipment (light switches, heating and air-conditioning systems,
ceiling fans, etc.) which usually can't be protected by plug-in
surge devices. Most arrestors can cut a surge to 600 volts. The
suppressor then takes over, reducing it to a more manageable voltage.
Arrestors cost around $50 to $250, and you should hire a licensed
electrician, who will connect the arrestors to your electrical
service panel for around $100 (depending upon local electrician
rates). Many local electrical utility companies can also install
surge arrestors near electricity meters.
Remember, it is important to protect your espresso equipment
as it is your computer equipment and other household appliances.
