Imagine coming home after a long day at work, only to find your television won’t turn on. Or your refrigerator suddenly stops working without warning. Before you rush out to replace a major appliance, you may want to consider if there is something more going on. That’s where understanding surge protection comes in to play.
Electrical surges are short bursts of excessive voltage which can silently wreak havoc on your electronics. Left alone, they can lead to costly replacements or repairs.
Thus, understanding surge protection isn’t about convenience, it’s about making sure your home is safe when electrical surges happen. Considering they are caused by many factors including lightning, fluctuations from a power grid, or even appliance use – surges can happen anytime.
The good news? There are simple and effective ways to protect your appliances.
What Causes Electrical Surges?
Surges happen when there is a sudden spike in voltage. While some are barely noticeable, others can damage sensitive electronics. Here are the most common causes of electrical surges:
- Lightning Strikes: A single lightning strike can send thousands of volts surging through your home’s wiring.
- Power Grid Fluctuations: Even though utility companies manage fluctuating power demands, there could still be sudden changes that lead to electrical surges.
- Appliances Cycling On and Off: HVAC systems, refrigerators, and other large appliances can cause internal power fluctuations, impacting other connected devices.
How Surge Protectors Work
Think of surge protectors as an airbag for your electronics, absorbing excess voltage before it reaches your devices. There are two primary types:
- Whole-house surge protectors installed at the electrical panel to safeguard your entire home.
- Point-of-use surge protectors individual devices plugged into outlets for added protection of sensitive electronics like routers, computers, TVs, etc.
Both serve important roles, and depending on your needs, you may want layered protection for maximum protection.
Signs You Need To Upgrade Your Surge Protection
How do you know if your home lacks proper surge protection? Here are some warning signs:
- Flickering Lights: Frequent light dimming or flickering can indicate voltage instability.
- Appliance Malfunctions: Unexpected shutdowns or damage may be caused by unnoticed surges.
- History of Electrical Surges: If you’ve had blown fuses or damaged electronics before, it’s time to consider upgrades.
Types of Surge Protection Solutions
Like we mentioned before, there are two types of common surge protectors. Whole-home surge protectors defend against external surges from storms or grid fluctuations, helping protect electronics inside your home.
Point-of-use protectors provide an extra barrier, perfect for valuable electronics. UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies) protect against both surges and power outages, keeping essential devices running.
Pro Tip: If you work from home, having your wifi router plugged into a surge protector with a battery back up will keep your internet humming along despite fluctuations in your electricity.
Choosing the Right Surge Protector
Not all surge protectors offer equal protection. When selecting one, consider:
- Joule Ratings: The higher the rating, the better the protection. Look for a minimum of 1,000 joules for household electronics.
- UL-listed Products: Certified protectors meet safety standards, ensuring reliability.
Surge protection is an investment in home safety, preventing costly damage to electronics and appliances. Whether upgrading to a whole-house surge protector or ensuring your most valuable devices are properly shielded, taking action now can save you time, frustration, and money.
Let Us Help
If you’re unsure about your current surge protection setup, our team of professional electricians can give you a free estimate on your electrical design or installation.
Simply fill out our contact form or give us a call at 616-205-5636 today.
Our clients trust us because we have over 30 years of experience providing top-notch electrical services in retail stores, medical facilities, industrial plants, offices and homes.