Whole-Home Surge Protection: What Is It and Do I Need It?
Among the electrical services SameDay offers is installation of whole-home surge protection systems. Whole-home surge protection was really not a thing back in the late 1990s and 2000s. But as we have become more accustomed to relying on so many sensitive electronic devices, implementing surge protection throughout an entire home is a smart idea.
How much do you know about it? Do you know whether whole-home search protection is something you need? You might not be as familiar with it as you are with the other electrical services we offer, but it is worth the time and effort to learn more.
The Basic Concepts
Surge protectors are devices designed to protect sensitive electronics from electrical surges. Even in the 2020s, the modern grid is still subject to them. Lightning, infrastructure malfunctions, and even faults in your home’s wiring can cause surges. The slightest little surge can damage a sensitive electronic device.
Whole-home surge protectors do the same thing as the individual devices you might already have around your home. They are installed directly in a home’s main electrical panel. When a surge – otherwise known as a spike in voltage – occurs in the line leading into your panel, the surge protector diverts excess voltage into the ground wiring. The current flowing through your panel and wiring remains consistent.
Its Function Is Pretty Simple
Whole-home surge protectors are not especially complicated technology. A typical unit contains a sensor that constantly monitors incoming voltage. If too much voltage is detected, the device activates a switch, diverting electricity away and directing it into the ground.
Since they are so simple in application, surge protectors are reliable. They are also fairly easy for a trained electrician to install. A SameDay technician could have your home set up with whole-home surge protection in no time at all.
Why You Might Need It
As for the question of whether you need whole-home surge protection, only you can make that choice. We can still offer some information that might make the choice easier for you. Let us start with what causes surges in a typical home’s electrical system. We already mentioned lightning. Here are some other things:
- Grid issues (things such as downed power lines, transformer breakdowns, etc.)
- Appliance cycling (large appliances, like refrigerators and air conditioners, cause surges)
- Wiring problems (outdated or faulty wiring that does not carry consistent current)
- Electrical work (either interior or exterior; even work on the grid can cause problems)
It does not take much to create a temporary fluctuation of power. The thing is that a surge is not likely to damage something like a vacuum cleaner or a small kitchen appliance. It is our electronic devices that have the biggest problems with surges.
When to Consider Implementing It
You might want to consider whole-home surge protection if you live in a modern home powered by electronic devices. Imagine a home equipped with automation and security devices, multiple HDTVs, digital appliances, a laptop in every room, and phones sitting on chargers every night.
The more electronic devices you have, the more likely you are to run into problems with power surges. So a modern home heavy on technology is the perfect candidate.
Whole-home surge protection protects your electronic devices. It is also a good tool for preventing electrical fires. It could save you money, increase your property’s value, and give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your electronics are protected. Think about it. And if you have questions about our service, don’t hesitate to ask.
