Should I get a whole home surge protector?
Protecting Your Home from Power Surges
Modern homes are packed with expensive electronics, from laptops and smart appliances to flat-screen TVs and smartphones. A sudden power surge can damage these devices, leading to costly replacements.
Common Causes of Power Surges
While lightning strikes are often associated with power surges, they are just one of several potential causes. Here are some common triggers:
Power Restoration After an Outage – When electricity is restored following a blackout, the sudden surge of power can overwhelm your home’s electrical system.
Lightning Strikes – A lightning strike near power lines can cause a voltage spike, increasing the risk of a damaging power surge.
Faulty Wiring – Defective wiring inside your home can contribute to surges. Warning signs include frequent breaker trips, burn marks on outlets, or a burning smell.
Electrical Overload – Plugging too many devices into a single outlet can draw excessive power, leading to an overload and a potential surge.
Why Install a Whole-House Surge Protector?
While plug-in surge protectors offer some level of protection, they don’t safeguard all of your home’s electrical devices—especially large appliances. A whole-house surge protector defends your entire electrical system against surges, offering key benefits:
Fire Prevention – Surges can overheat wiring, increasing the risk of electrical fires. A whole-house surge protector helps prevent dangerous overloads.
Protection for Large Appliances & Electronics – Major appliances like refrigerators, HVAC systems, ovens, and washers/dryers are too powerful for standard surge protectors. A whole-home system shields them from electrical damage.
Defense Against Internal Surges – Household devices, such as HVAC units, can generate small internal power surges. Over time, these minor fluctuations can degrade electronics. A whole-house surge protector guards against both external and internal surges, extending the lifespan of your devices.
Investing in whole-house surge protection ensures your home’s electrical system remains safe and your valuable electronics stay protected from unexpected power fluctuations.