Should I Plug My Copier Into a Surge Protector?

The Question You Didn’t Think to Ask—But Should

Your office copier is one of the most critical tools in your daily workflow. You rely on it for everything from scanning invoices to printing contracts. But are you protecting it the way you should?

A single power surge could damage your copier, leading to costly repairs or replacements. So, should you plug your copier into a surge protector? Let’s break it down.

At Pahoda Copiers & Printers we sell and lease copiers and have spoken with our manufacturers about this important topic and want to help educate potential copier leasing customers in every phase of their journey.

In this blog you will learn what the manufacturers we spoke to told us and you will have guidance on the best way to handle protecting your investment from damage that can come from power spikes and surges.

What Happens If Your Copier Gets Hit by a Power Surge?

A power surge is a sudden spike in electrical voltage. It can be caused by lightning, power outages, or even large appliances cycling on and off. If a copier isn’t protected, a surge can:

✅ Fry the internal circuit board (essentially destroying the machine)

✅ Corrupt or erase stored data (which can impact networked copiers)

✅ Reduce the copier’s lifespan by stressing internal components

Can You Use a Standard Surge Protector for a Copier?

Not all surge protectors are created equal. Many standard surge protectors—like the kind you might use for your computer—aren’t designed for high-powered office equipment. Most copier manufacturers recommend against plugging a copier into a low-rated surge protector because:

❌ The copier draws too much power, which can cause frequent tripping of the protector.

❌ Some surge protectors limit electrical flow, which can cause performance issues.

❌ Many consumer-grade surge protectors lack proper grounding, leading to power instability.

What’s the Right Way to Protect Your Copier from Power Surges?

Instead of a basic surge protector, businesses should use:

✅ A dedicated surge suppressor designed for office equipment (higher joule ratings)

✅ An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) for added backup during power failures

✅ Proper wall outlet grounding to ensure stable electrical flow

Some high-end copiers even come with built-in surge protection, but it’s always best to check with your copier provider.

Will Using a Surge Protector Void My Copier Warranty?

It depends on the manufacturer. Some copier brands explicitly warn against using surge protectors, while others require a certain type to maintain warranty coverage. The best practice? Check your copier’s user manual or ask your copier provider (like us) for guidance.

Final Verdict: Should You Use a Surge Protector for Your Copier?

✔ YES, but only if it’s a commercial-grade surge suppressor with proper voltage handling.

✔ BETTER YET, consider a UPS for added protection.

❌ AVOID standard power strips or consumer-grade surge protectors—they may do more harm than good.

Need Help Choosing the Right Protection for Your Copier?

At Pahoda Copiers & Printers, we help businesses protect their copier investment. If you’re unsure about power protection for your copier, reach out to us, and we’ll help you choose the right setup.

📞 Call us today to make sure your copier is protected!