Last updated on August 14th, 2022 at 01:28 pm
A power surge is one dilemma that many people attempt to avert as it often ensues due to an increase in electric current.
This sudden power surge usually comes from a power source that supplies electricity to your home, office, or industry.
And it destroys a lot of cables in the process; on that note, can a power surge damage an ethernet cable?
A power surge can damage your ethernet cable, mainly when a surge protector does not cover it. Although you may begin to experience minor frustrations such as fluctuations in a network, the connection to other devices will be prolonged. In this case, it is advisable to purchase a surge protector to prevent any damage.
Can An Ethernet Cable Go Bad After Power Outage?
Your ethernet cable does not go bad after a power outage. And this is because it has batteries that back it up immediately after power is no longer supplied to the cables.
Generally, ethernet cables require a small amount of electricity to transmit data and connect to other network devices.
And as such, a power outage does not necessarily affect ethernet cables. Usually, ethernet cables possess backup batteries that serve as the power source for transmitting data to your computer or laptop.
Unfortunately, the batteries only last for a couple of hours before the data connection is interrupted.
Nonetheless, you can still purchase generators that will serve as the power source for your ethernet cables.
For this purpose, you have to get enough fuel for your generator for power supply.
Furthermore, you can purchase UPS (uninterruptible power supply), which is a device that provides power instantaneously, especially when there is a power outage.
UPS is extensively used in offices, cybercafé and can be used in your home.
You can use UPS right in the comfort of your own home to carry out essential office tasks, play online games, watch videos online, and so on.
You can enjoy unlimited data with a constant supply of power from UPS.
Ethernet cables convey data much faster and easier than any WiFi connection, and as a result, many people prefer ethernet services.
So, if you are into networking, you can do well to purchase a vital power source.
What Can Damage An Ethernet Cable?
Ethernet can be damaged due to environmental factors, including moisture, excessive exposure to UV rays, and heat. Other external factors that cause deterioration of your ethernet cable are wear and tear, cut, aging, and constant bending.
Ethernet cables are usually assembled with quality materials and wires that enable durability.
However, if you constantly subject your ethernet cable to harsh environmental conditions, it could deteriorate quickly.
With that established, I’ll briefly explain some of these factors and how they damage your ethernet cable.
#1. UV Rays
The UV rays from the sun can damage your ethernet cable if it is consistently exposed to it.
This damage prevents your cable from transmitting data and causes constant fluctuations in the network.
If this is not discovered on time, the damage could spread further and become permanent.
Nevertheless, you can prevent this by purchasing an Ultraviolet resistant conduit to avoid any damage caused by UV rays.
However, it is essential to note that this damage only happens outdoors using your ethernet cable.
That said, you can also use your ethernet cable indoors to deter the penetration of UV rays on your ethernet cable.
#2. Moisture
Moisture is one factor that utterly disrupts the functionality of your ethernet cable.
Most Ethernet cables that are overly exposed without any protection can easily be damaged upon exposure to moisture.
You need to purchase an ethernet cable of high quality and is resistant to moisture.
Ethernet cables often come with protective jackets that are waterproof and are resistant to sunlight and excessive heat.
With that said, you have to conduct proper research before purchasing any ethernet cable to avoid unnecessary damage and constant repairs.
#3. Constant Bending
Bending your ethernet cable is one thing you should never attempt as it could lead to a poor network.
Plus, constant bending often leads to cuts on your ethernet cable. And this further leads to slow connection and transmission of data.
Eventually, the cable stops working altogether, and you may have to replace it with a new ethernet cable.
Typically, many people tend to bend ethernet cables when not receiving a solid network.
But this only worsens the condition and escalates to other issues.
It is advisable to wait for a network or look for other means of receiving a solid network rather than bending your ethernet cable.
#4. Wear and Tear
Wear and tear often lead to the complete breakdown of the internal wire in your ethernet cable, resulting in a short circuit.
As a result, you will experience a prolonged network connection, and the data transmission rate will be reduced simultaneously.
Fortunately, you can stop this by reducing the constant movement of your ethernet cable. It should be connected so that movement will not be easily facilitated.
#5. Aging
Usually, ethernet cables are built to last for at least five to ten years, and this also depends on the quality of your ethernet cable.
If you purchase an ethernet cable with poor quality, you will constantly spend money on repairs.
So it would be best if you got an ethernet cable with top-notch quality and can last for a long time.
Nonetheless, if your ethernet cable has stayed for a long time and it begins to wear out, then you need to replace it with a new ethernet cable.
Do you Need A Surge Protector For Ethernet?
Your ethernet needs a surge protector to prevent power surges that occur unexpectedly. This surge protector goes a long way to avoid damages from power surges, UV rays, and excessive heat.
A surge protector is undoubtedly one of the best strategies to protect from power surges.
The power surges often break down your ethernet if a surge protector does not extensively protect it.
The need for a surge protector can not be overemphasized as it plays a role in curbing the damage of power surges.
Conclusion
Ethernet cables are high-speed and transmit data easily when handled appropriately.
However, they may be damaged due to some factors such as moisture, wear and tear, and so on.
Well, you can get a surge protector to prevent power surges and other damages.
Furthermore, you can quickly generate other sources of power for your ethernet cable in the occurrence of a power outage.