When it comes to safeguarding our homes, many tend to think only about locking doors, installing alarm systems, or investing in smart home technology. But have you ever thought about the invisible threats that can wreak havoc on your home? Yes, we’re talking about electrical power surges. Home surge protection is a must-have for areas that experience frequent thunderstorms, lightning strikes, and power outages.
Understanding Power Surges
Many homeowners may not be aware of the potential hazards associated with electrical surges. These surges occur suddenly and result in an uncontrolled voltage spike, ultimately damaging electronic devices. Such surges may be caused by various factors, such as lightning strikes, power outages, faulty wiring, downed power lines, or even instability in the electrical grid.
Potential Dangers to Electronic Equipment and Appliances
Excessive electrical power surges often severely harm household appliances and equipment. One of the most common issues caused by power surges is blown circuitry. When circuits are overloaded with electricity, they may overheat and break. In some instances, a surge results in a fire if the circuits and breakers are outdated or overused.
Furthermore, power surges may damage the motors of home appliances. The added voltage causes the engines to overheat, eventually resulting in burned-out wires or complete motor failure. In such cases, it is necessary to replace the appliance altogether.
The delicate wiring of sensitive electronic components, such as CPUs and memory chips, can be surge damaged, resulting in data corruption or complete function loss. In severe cases, it renders the devices unusable. In other instances, the damage may not be immediately noticeable, but it shortens the life span of your equipment, necessitating costly repairs in the future.
These days, many appliances come with computer chips that control their functions, and these are especially vulnerable to power surges. From washing machines and refrigerators to television and smart home thermostat systems, any device with a computer chip is at risk of being damaged by surges.
Other Signs of Power Surge in Your Home
Power surges often go unnoticed until they cause significant damage to your electrical devices. However, several signs suggest your home is experiencing a power surge. If your electronic devices or appliances frequently break down or behave erratically, it may be due to power surges. Even though circuit breakers are designed to trip during an overload and prevent fires, they may also trip during a power surge.
Look for other signs, such as flickering or dimming lights when large appliances turn on. If you detect a smell of burnt plastic or notice charred or discolored outlets or plugs, it indicates a power surge. You should contact a professional electrician immediately.
What Is Surge Protection?
When a power surge occurs, the surge protector kicks into action, regulating the voltage by diverting the excess voltage away from your devices and into the ground. This process allows only the correct amount of electricity to pass through to your appliances. A surge protector acts as a gatekeeper, allowing the right amount of electricity to flow while blocking any damaging excess.
Three Types of Surge Protection
The three main types of surge protectors are available in the market: portable surge protection, point-of-use surge protection, and whole-home surge protection. Portable surge protectors are designed for individual items such as television sets, computers, and other small appliances. These devices plug directly into the wall outlet and channel any extra voltage away from the connected appliance.
Point-of-use surge protection is installed directly into specific outlets and safeguards specific plugged-in devices. Many homeowners opt for point-of-use surge protection when protecting sensitive electronics in their home offices and entertainment centers.
Finally, home surge protection is an effective way to protect all electronic equipment in a home from power surges. This type of protector is installed at the main breaker panel, offering complete coverage for your entire house. Whole-home surge protection keeps your devices safe from unpredictable voltage increases.
Not All Portable Surge Protectors Are the Same
When choosing a surge protector, it’s crucial to consider the Joule rating of the surge protector. A higher Joule rating means better protection since the protector can handle more surge currents before it becomes ineffective.
You should also pay attention to the clamping voltage, the highest surge voltage the protector will let through to your devices. Select a surge protector with a lower clamping voltage for optimal home electronics protection. Most protectors have options for clamping voltage at 330V, 400V, and 500V. If you have expensive electronics, make sure to choose a surge protector with a lower clamping voltage.
The Need for Home Surge Protection
Without a doubt, whole-home surge protection surpasses portable surge protectors in many aspects. Here are the benefits that make it a worthwhile investment for your home.
Comprehensive Coverage
A whole-home surge protector protects your entire home’s electrical system and everything connected, including appliances, outlets, light switches, televisions, computers, and smart devices. It gives you the peace of mind that your electronics are safe from any potential power surges.
High-Capacity Protection
Whole-home surge protectors are able to handle larger, more intense power surges compared to their portable counterparts. While a portable protector may suffice for minor surges, whole-home protectors effectively manage the massive voltage spikes caused by lightning strikes and major power grid disruptions, providing you with a more robust line of defense during extreme weather conditions.
Protection for Hard-wired Appliances
Your HVAC system, water heaters, and other hard-wired appliances are not immune to power surges. Since they can’t be plugged into a portable surge protector, they remain vulnerable unless you have a whole-home surge protector. A whole-home protector safeguards critical and expensive appliances from damaging surges by protecting the entire electrical system.
Enhanced Life Span of Appliances and Electronics
A whole-home surge protector improves the life span of your appliances and electronics by guarding them against potential surges. A stable voltage supply helps prevent gradual damage caused by small power surges that go unnoticed. The installation will save you money in the long term by reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements.
Safeguard Your Solar Panels and Backup System
During power outages, your home backup system may cause power surges that harm your expensive energy systems if you don’t have surge protection. A whole-home surge protector will protect your investment and ensure the safety of your backup power supply. This device channels any surge away from your system, so your backup system always stays operational.
Trust [company name] for Your Home Surge Protection Needs
Our company, [company name], offers electrical services in Tacoma, WA, and the Puget Sound area. Our team of certified professionals has years of experience and is committed to providing excellent service. We specialize in installing whole-home surge protectors to keep your home and electrical devices safe.
We offer a comprehensive range of home improvement and electrical services, including electrical panel and home surge protector installations, HVAC installation, maintenance, and repair, as well as plumbing, sewer, and drain cleaning services. You can always count on us as your go-to service provider for all your needs.
Call us today to schedule an appointment and get the highest quality service at competitive rates. Let us help you keep your home a safe and comfortable environment.
