Why Install a Whole House Surge Protector?
Households rely on numerous electronics and appliances for safety, convenience, and entertainment. To protect their electronic devices from electrical surges or lightning strikes, it’s essential to install a whole-house surge protector.
Electrical surges – which can be caused by overloaded circuits or faulty appliances – can be a threat to homes and electronics. In this post, Missouri City electricians explain the dangers of power surges, the benefits of whole-house surge protectors, and signs that surge protectors need to be replaced.
Dangers of Power Surges
Power surges can result from internal causes, such as an overloaded circuit or faulty appliance, or lightning strikes. These are fast occurrences, lasting only about a millionth of a second, but the extra voltage can wreck electronic devices.
Some of the damage power surges can cause include:
- Damaged Circuits: The surge can overload circuits, causing them to trip or even permanently damage the wiring in the walls.
- Wrecked Electronics: The delicate circuitry inside electronic devices is especially vulnerable to power surges. A surge can damage components like circuit boards, rendering devices useless.
- Appliance Malfunction: Power surges can also affect appliances with motors or compressors. The surge can damage these components, leading to appliance failure or a shortened lifespan.
Benefits of Installing a Whole House Surge Protector
A whole-house surge protector protects the home’s electrical system from damaging voltage spikes. Unlike a surge protector power strip that individual electronics are plugged into, a whole-house surge protector is installed in the main electrical panel.
These whole house surge protectors offer numerous benefits to households, including:
- Complete protection of the home’s electrical system, including electronic devices, HVAC system, security system, and more
- Defense against internal electrical surges from overloaded circuits or faulty appliances
- Peace of mind that the home’s electrical system is safe and electronics are protected
Whole-house surge protectors differ from power strip surge protectors in key ways. While whole-house surge protectors protect the entire electrical system, power strip surge protectors only protect devices plugged directly into them.
Signs To Replace an Old Surge Protector
To keep homes safe, homeowners need to recognize signs indicating they need to replace their surge protectors. Generally, most whole-house surge protectors last around three to five years. As they near the end of their lifespan, homeowners should look for the following signs:
- Warning lights. Many surge protectors have LED lights that can indicate they need to be replaced.
- Physical damage. If the devices are damaged, they cannot effectively protect homes and electrical systems and should be replaced. Homeowners can look for cracks, warping, and scorch marks.
- Frequent tripping. If households experience frequent tripped circuit breakers, even when not overloaded, it can indicate a problem with the surge protector.
Power surges can cause major damage to electronics and appliances in homes. Homeowners can reduce these risks by installing whole-house surge protectors. These can protect electronics, security systems, and HVAC systems from lightning strikes and internal power surges.
About Allsource Electrical Technologies
The electricians at Allsource Electrical Technologies have over 40 years of experience serving Missouri City, TX, and the surrounding areas. They provide same-day services, straightforward pricing, and the latest technology. Call them today for electrical and surge protector services in Missouri City, TX.