Why Every Home Needs a Whole Home Surge Protector
The electrical grid in the US is one of the most reliable in the world. Every day families and businesses take advantage of this utility since it powers pretty much everything around us. However, since the grid is as complex as it is, there are times when problems occur. One of the most common problems with the electrical grid is power surges.
Power surges can happen for various reasons, but one of the most common is the weather. Storms that cause power outages and lightning can cause huge voltage peaks to flood into a home’s wiring and damage critical electronics. The only way to protect from these events is with surge protectors.
Historically, surge protectors have been devices within power strips that protect sensitive devices like computers or televisions. However, with the proliferation of electronic devices, most homes would benefit from a surge protector that protects the whole house. Here is a quick guide to keeping the home safe from power surges by local electricians that know what their neighbors need.
The Problems with Power Surges
The term “power surge” is the perfect descriptor because it is exactly what happens during a power surge. Normally, a home receives voltage from the grid at 120 volts. That voltage can spike up to thousands of volts during a power surge. The resulting wave of voltage can burn out motors and sensitive electronics.
Power surges can be the result of:
- Lighting strikes
- Storms knocking out power
- Problems at power plants
- Appliances turning off and on
- Large production facilities in the area shutting down or starting up for the day
Reasons to Install a Whole House Surge Protector
Power surges have been problems for as long as electricity has been available. However, the issue of power surges has only become more serious in recent years. In the decades leading up to the digital age, the only appliances susceptible to power surges were motored and weren’t often completely burned out by a power surge.
With the advent of sensitive electronic devices like phones and computers, the problem of power surges became more detrimental. Since everything in a home is digital and susceptible to power surges, it makes sense to protect these expensive devices with whole house surge protectors.
When to Replace an Old Surge Protector
Installing whole house surge protectors has become more and more common over the last few years. The problem is that most homeowners don’t know how to recognize the signs that their need to be replaced. Whole house surge protectors are constantly in service monitoring voltage, so they tend to wear out faster than people would expect.
To tell if a whole home surge protector is wearing out, pay attention to signs like:
- Frequent tripping of the device
- Dimming lights
- Age of 3 to 5 years
- Inconsistent power supply
- Damaged electronics
When these problems start to manifest, it is best to replace the surge protector. Contact a reliable electrician for whole house surge protector replacement before the home loses protection.
About Elite Electric, Plumbing & Air
Elite Electric, Plumbing & Air has provided its neighbors in Port St. Lucie, FL, and the surrounding areas with trustworthy electrical and home service solutions since 1988. They offer personal attention, 24/7 emergency service, and upfront pricing. Call them today for surge protection in Port St. Lucie, FL.