Install Whole-Home Surge Protectors For Maximum Safety
Electronics are more ubiquitous in the home than ever before. Without computers, TVs, and smartphones, not to mention all of the smart devices, civilized life is hardly possible. One of the major difficulties that not every homeowner knows is how to protect these devices from problems on the electrical grid.
In the past, people were encouraged to use surge protectors built into powerstrips to protect the few devices they had. The problem with that strategy today is that it is insufficient to safeguard all devices that need protection.
Dangers of Power Surges
Electricity travels through the wires on the power grid in a wave. This type of electricity is called AC power, and it is distinctly different from the kind needed to power the chips in all the devices people use daily. Direct current or DC power is the type of power needed for sensitive electronics. Electronics prefer this type of power because it is consistent.
Some converters turn AC power into DC power. AC power surges can cause a spike in DC power large enough to burn sensitive electronics. Protecting devices from these power spikes is vital to their continued use, and for that, people need surge protectors.
Benefits of Installing a Whole-House Surge Protector
Power surges occur regularly on the grid. The most well-known cause of a power surge is when lightning strikes the infrastructure and causes extremely high voltage flow into homes. Any sensitive electronics plugged in at the time can be completely fried.
Another common cause of power surges is sudden changes in demand on the grid. When large factories turn industrial equipment on or off, the resulting change in voltage can damage electronics.
In the past, the only way to protect devices from power surges was with special power strips. These were convenient enough for most situations because they could handle all computer equipment at one workstation or an entire entertainment center.
At the time, no other devices in the home needed the protection, so it wasn’t a problem. Now, electronic devices are constantly used in every room, so whole-home surge protectors are the only way to ensure the entire home is safe from power surges.
When To Replace an Old Surge Protector
Whole-home surge protectors are always in place, constantly absorbing spikes in voltage that could flood the home with excess power. Due to the constant nature of the job, whole-home surge protectors need to be replaced at times to ensure continued protection.
The average life expectancy of a whole-home surge protector is three to five years. Local electricians can give a more accurate time frame because they know the stability of the power on the grid and can better assess the damage to the unit.
Some of the signs that it is time to replace a surge protector are:
- Flickering lights
- Faulting electronics
- Illuminated warning lights on the unit
- Damaged electronics
- Signs of overheating
- Frequent tripping
About AllSource Electrical Technologies
AllSource Electrical Technologies is licensed and experienced in residential and commercial electrical service. They can handle whole-home surge protectors, generator installation, and lighting upgrades. Call today for surge protector services in Missouri City, TX.