Why Get a Whole House Surge Protector?
Most people think of their home as an investment, and this is absolutely true. Unfortunately, many of those same people fail to take steps to protect their investments. Because not only is the home an investment but all the expensive items inside it. From the washer and dryer to the flat-screen television to the computers, most homes have at least tens of thousands of dollars worth of electronics in them. While these items aren’t technically part of the house, they comprise the household. And no one wants to replace expensive electronic devices if they can avoid it.
That’s where whole house surge protectors come in. These devices can prevent catastrophic electrical surges from damaging expensive equipment. But how do they work, and how do homeowners best protect their assets? Read on to find out.
Dangerous Power Surges
Most people think of a power surge as a lightning strike that hits the home and fries any electronics it comes into contact with. This is not the most common cause of a power surge. Generally, when lighting causes a power surge, it does so by hitting power lines. The lighting does not have to strike the home directly to cause a power surge. But when these surges do happen, homes without a whole-house surge protector are vulnerable. The surge can damage electronic equipment inside the home, causing thousands of dollars in damages.
Other power surges can happen when there’s a power outage and the electricity is restored to the grid. Sometimes, power surges are so small that homeowners don’t even notice that they’ve happened. While these small surges may not cause directly visible damage to electronic devices, multiple small surges can damage electronics over time. A whole-house surge protector guards against these kinds of external power surges.
How a Whole House Surge Protector Helps
Whole-house surge protectors are installed where power enters the home from the grid, between the meter and the breaker box. In this position, they can protect against external power surges by diverting any extra power to the ground, thereby neutralizing it and protecting the home’s electrical system. Most of these are rated for 40,000 amps, considerably more than the 30,000 amps in the average lighting strike.
Most people already have some form of surge protection in their homes. Often, these are surge protector power strips designed to protect against minor power surges, meaning they’re not equipped to deal with the larger surges that whole-home surge protectors are designed for. However, most electricians recommend using both types of surge protectors for layered protection in the home.
When To Replace an Old Surge Protector
Whole house surge protectors only last three to five years. If a protector is used often, meaning it has protected the house from power surges, it may need to be replaced sooner. Thankfully, most home surge protectors have a simple indicator light that tells whether the device needs replacing. However, even if the light is on, the device should be replaced every two or three years for ultimate protection. Consulting a professional electrician for whole home surge protector installation and replacement is always a good idea.
About Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning
The friendly professionals at Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning have served Sun Prairie, WI, for 40 years! Their technicians undergo rigorous background checks and always leave the home clean. They also provide fast turnaround times with the latest technology. Contact them today for whole house surge protector installation in Sun Prairie, WI!
