How Whole House Surge Protectors Can Help
Holiday lights and electrical overloads can strain the home’s electrical system and are one possible cause of power surges. To prepare the house for the holiday season, electricians recommend doing some maintenance on the electrical system. This can include inspecting and replacing outdated wires and installing new safety features such as a whole-house surge protector.
A whole home surge protector is installed directly into the electrical box to prevent power surges from damaging electrical wiring and appliances, which could cause electrical fires. Here is some insight from professional electricians on installing a surge protector to protect against power surges during the holiday season.
Power Surges Are Dangerous
A power surge can be caused by many things, like overpowering the electrical system, lightning, power coming back on after a power outage, and faulty wiring. When an electrical surge occurs, it can suddenly shut down the electricity. Frequent power surges can also cause damage to the electrical wiring, requiring repairs and replacement, so it is best to protect against them.
Sometimes, power surges can cause permanent damage to devices that are plugged into the electrical system when the power surge occurs, especially sensitive electronics such as smartphones or laptops. One of the most dangerous things about power surges is that they can cause wiring and appliances to overheat and potentially catch fire. Protecting the home from power surges is necessary to prevent hazards and protect a homeowner’s investment in electric devices and appliances.
Benefits of Whole House Surge Protectors
Power strips do not always have built-in surge protection; when they do, they only protect the devices plugged into them. On the other hand, whole-house surge protectors are installed directly into the primary electrical box to prevent power surges from impacting appliances, electronics, and wiring throughout the home.
Surge protectors are handy during the holiday season when holiday lights and additional electronics and appliances get plugged in. Still, they protect the home the rest of the year by protecting against power surges and transient voltage from lightning and other causes.
Additionally, power surges can create energy waste and a spike in energy bills, so installing a surge protector with power-saving features may also help save money on energy usage. But perhaps the biggest benefit homeowners can expect from installing a whole-house surge protector is that their devices are protected from damage and that they won’t have to pay to replace them due to a surge.
When to Replace an Old Surge Protector
Surge protectors work hard to prevent power surges from damaging the home’s devices, appliances, and electrical systems, so they wear out relatively quickly. They each have a specific amount of voltage that they can absorb before needing to be replaced but typically need replacing after two years. An electrician should be called to install or replace a whole home surge protector. DIY installation is not recommended because of the hazards of improperly installed electrical equipment.
Homeowners should also pay attention to the warning signs that their surge protector needs to be replaced and keep in mind that they only last for a few years. Most modern surge protectors come with an indicator light that should signal when it is time to be replaced. When homeowners notice the indicator light has turned on, they should not delay calling the electrician for a replacement.
About Elite Electric, Plumbing & Air
Elite Electric, Plumbing & Air has been serving Port St. Lucie, FL, and the surrounding areas since 1988. They provide upfront pricing, personal attention, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for whole home surge protection in Port St. Lucie, FL.