When it comes to protecting your home, you probably think of high-tech security systems, but there are other ways you can protect your home, such as investing in a whole-house surge protector. These types of surge protectors can protect your home in ways that a security system can’t and are good to have for different reasons.
What Are Whole-House Surge Protectors?
A whole-house surge protector is a device that a professional can install in the electrical panel of your home. These devices are designed to protect your appliances and electronics in the event of a power surge. Power surges can occur when there’s a spike in electricity, which can cause a fire or damage your appliances. If you have a whole-house surge protector installed, the excess electrical current will be limited because the protector blocks the flow of electricity, acting as a pressure relief valve.
What Causes Power Surges?
Power surges can occur for different reasons. The best thing you can do is be prepared. Here are some of the causes of power surges.
Electrical Overload
An electrical overload occurs when excess power is drawn from one circuit. If too many high-wattage appliances are running simultaneously on the same circuit, an electrical overload can occur.
Faulty Wiring
Faulty wiring can occur when your home’s wiring has improper grounding, resulting in electrical surges. Damaged wires and faulty connections can increase the risk of voltage spikes.
Lightning Strikes
Lightning strikes are a common cause of power surges, especially if the lightning strikes an area near your home. The energy from one or more lightning bolts can travel through power lines and damage any connected appliances or electric devices you have plugged in.
Power Outages
Power outages, also known as blackouts, occur when the flow of electricity is interrupted and then restored. Once power is restored and returned to the system, a surge can occur.
What Are the Benefits of Having a Whole-House Surge Protector?
You may be wondering why having a home with a surge protector is beneficial. Having a whole-house surge protector offers many benefits for you, your home, and your appliances.
1. Coverage for Your Devices
Having a whole-house surge protector means you have comprehensive coverage for every electrical circuit in your home and a safeguard that protects against power surges and spikes. Unlike power strips, whole-house surge protectors don’t have limited protection. Whole-house surge protectors are installed at your home’s main electrical panel so that they can handle surges and protect devices and appliances of all sizes. Whole-home surge protectors can also extend the life of appliances by protecting them from low-level surges.
2. Handling Power Surges of All Sizes
Many homeowners opt to purchase small surge protectors, instead of investing in a whole-home surge protector because they want to save money. Whole-home surge protectors can handle large power surges that smaller surge protectors aren’t able to, extending the protection from power surges for all appliances and devices.
3. Extending the Life of Your Appliances
Appliances are investments that help you complete tasks around your home and make it more comfortable. When you safeguard your appliances from low-level surges, you don’t have to worry about them malfunctioning due to shortages resulting from frequent surges.
4. Reliability and Peace of Mind
Reliability and peace of mind are priceless to have for most homeowners. Plug-in surge protectors can’t do the job that whole-house surge protectors can. Having reliable protection for all the appliances and devices that you use in your home daily is the peace of mind many homeowners are looking for.
What Is the Difference Between a Power Strip and a Whole-Home Surge Protector?
Power strips offer convenience, but they can easily become ineffective, especially if you need a surge protector for large appliances, such as a refrigerator or washer and dryer. Although power strips can provide more outlets to use, they can’t protect your devices from power surges.
Surge protectors, on the other hand, can protect your devices from voltage spikes and safeguard your electronics from being damaged by power surges. However, you can’t increase the number of outlets you have unless you have an electrician install extra ones. If your home has a surge protector for the entire home, all devices and appliances are protected.
Do Home Insurance Policies Protect Against Power Surges?
Having protection against power surges through your home insurance depends on the policy you have and how the power surge occurred. If you have a whole-home surge protector, a power surge may occur, but your devices and appliances are protected. However, some homeowners like to have extra peace of mind. For example, if your home was damaged in any way due to a lightning strike, your home insurance policy may cover the damages.
Remember that the cause of a power surge can vary and involve something other than a lightning strike. In this situation, you’ll want to consider having a personal property insurance policy that covers the damage to your electronics, such as your laptop, TV, and other devices. It’s best to be prepared for a power surge by having an electrician install a whole-house surge protector.
Can Home Insurance Rates Be Lowered by Having a Whole-Home Surge Protector?
You could benefit from having a whole-home surge protector, depending on the perks and benefits offered by your current home insurance agency. Each insurance agency is different, so check with your insurance agent to determine if you’re eligible for a discount.
How Do I Know I Have the Right Surge Protector for My Home?
The good news is there are electricians in Arizona that can help. Here at Christian Brothers Air Conditioning Plumbing Electrical, we can help you determine which whole-home surge protector is best for your home. Since these surge protectors must be hard-wired into your home’s electrical service panel, let the professionals make recommendations to ensure you have everything you need.
In general, electricians will look at the following factors:
- Absorption rate
- NEMA rating
- Other beneficial features
The absorption rating matters because a whole-home surge protector needs to be able to protect against a 40,000-amp spike in power. The National Electric Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has a rating system that pertains to electric device enclosures. The ratings for a whole-home surge protector can vary from the least protection to the highest protection. Here, 1 is the lowest and most basic protection, and 4 is the highest range of protection. Other beneficial features can include LED displays or alarms that notify you if the unit experiences any type of damage or becomes inoperable.
Are Surge Protectors Available With Warranties?
If your whole-home surge protector comes with a warranty, it will be limited. This warranty is designed to help you replace your electronics that may be damaged during a power surge that the protector couldn’t handle.
Finding an Electrician in Arizona
Do you need the expertise of an electrician in Arizona? Look no further than, Christian Brothers Air Conditioning Plumbing Electrical. We’re your surge protection specialist in Glendale, AZ. We have an experienced team of licensed electricians ready to handle all of your repair and installation needs. Our plumbers and HVAC technicians are also available to help with your plumbing, air conditioning or heating services. Contact us today so that we can help you protect your home!
