The Importance of Surge Protection
What is a Power Surge?
A power surge is a spike in the voltage coming into your home. These spikes are caused by lightning strikes, utility power provider or most often they are be caused by turning-off/on electrical loads within your home. One of the most common ways a power surge can enter your home is through a land line phone or coaxial cable connected to your computer or TV equipment.
Depending on the cause of the surge, the spike from a power surge can increase electricity flow by as little as 5 volts to up 1000’s of volts. Though it may seem like a quick flicker of light or dimming of light, a power surge can cause permanent damage to electronics and appliances in your home. These include, but not limited to:
- Televisions, stereos, DVD players
- Computers, modems, Wi-Fi routers
- Telephones
- Kitchen appliances
- Washers, dryers, dishwashers
- Security Systems
- Heating and Cooling Systems
A power surge has the potential to damage anything plugged into power outlets, or connected to your phone land line or cable TV/satellite dish in your home. Therefore, whole house surge protection is often a good solution for your home.
What is Whole House Surge Protection?
A whole house surge protector is a device installed at your home’s electrical panel. A whole house surge protector can absorb a high amount of voltage to protect your home. Once installed, it diverts the surge through your homes grounding path and away from your appliances and electronics. However, these devices do not protect against all power surges. Professional electricians will often recommend that you also purchase point of use surge protector as well. These are the devices that you plug into your wall outlets.
This type of surge protection is inexpensive. On average, devices cost between $300-$750. It depends on the needs of your home and the brand. The small investment you make now, will save you thousands of dollars in repairs and replacements. Insurance companies have reported that power surge related claims average above $4,000.
Three Things to Remember About Home Surge Protection
- It is important that your whole house surge protector is compatible with your home’s electrical system. If you are unsure of what device to purchase, call a licensed electrician, to assist you in your purchase.
- It is the safest option to have a licensed electrician install your whole house surge protector. With your entire home’s electrical system involved, this is not a do-it-yourself type project.
- Keep in mind, surge protection devices do not protect against a direct lightning strike to your home.
The friendly, licensed electricians at HAYNES Electric are ready to assist you with surge protection solutions for your home. Call today at 828-254-6141.