Power surges are one of the biggest enemies of electronic components, and especially of the PC. For this reason, the power supply -responsible for distributing power to the PC components- usually has protection systems for it, but is it the only one responsible? Doesn’t the PC case also protect against power surges? Let’s find out.
Generally, PC cases are made of metallic materials, almost always SPCC steel and plastic but often also aluminum . As metals, they are conductors of electricity to a greater or lesser extent, and this may lead one to think that they can become an active element of protection against voltage surges.
No, the box does not protect your PC against power surges
Well, we have to tell you that no, the PC box has nothing to do with the protection systems against power surges in the PC, not even passively. And this is not a bad thing , because all the electricity that enters the PC does so through the power supply, which -after a series of conversion processes, stabilization, etc.- distributes it to the rest of the PC components through cables sealed (this means that they should not have any leaks, and if they did, what we are going to tell you about below would occur).
This means that, under no circumstances, the electricity should reach the PC case (unless there is a bypass or problem in the source or another component, in which case a short circuit would occur, and for this the power supplies also have a specific protection system), and therefore the box doesn’t even have a chance to protect you against power surges or anything like that.
Some of you may think that, perhaps, the PC box can act as a ground connection, but the reality is that this is also an exclusive function of the power supply, so the box does not have any active function here either. Of course, if for example you have static electricity in your body and, when you touch the box, it gives you a small spark, the most normal thing is that nothing happens because most boxes have rubber feet and that static electricity will be discharged without any damage. consequence.
Effective protection against power surges
As we explained to you a moment ago, the box does not actively or passively affect electrical protection, since the main thing in charge of this is the power supply, as long as it is of good quality and has all the desirable protections. (virtually all, including the OEM, already have all the protections).
However, if you don’t want to depend solely on the power supply to protect your PC from electrical problems, there are other additional devices that you can introduce in the circuit, such as a good protection strip to plug the PC and other devices, or even a UPS that will also protect you from power surges.
It is up to you, but of course if you live in an area where there are usually thunderstorms, or if the electrical installation of your house is not in very good condition, it is highly recommended to take additional measures and not depend solely on the power supply to protect your PC.
