Surge Protection: Protecting Your Appliances, Electrical System, and Family

To understand why surge protection is so vital, you must know a bit about power surges or transient voltage. Electricians design your home’s electrical system with specific voltage limits in mind. Transient voltage occurs when the system experiences a sudden burst of power outside the parameters of the system’s capabilities. The standard voltage for properties in the U.S. is 120 volts; anything above this voltage lasting three nanoseconds or more is a surge and may damage the system or appliances.

Importance of Surge Protection

People often purchase surge protectors or power strips for their computers, but they frequently forget the importance of protecting other appliances or the entire electrical system. A power surge can damage any electronic device, including panels and wiring. From brownouts to lightning strikes, your electrical system is vulnerable to spikes and surges from various accidents and disasters.

Without protection, you risk having to pay hundreds to thousands in damages and repairs. However, it’s not only about the financial costs. Power surges can spark electrical fires, which can cause injuries and significant property loss. Installing protective devices reduces your risks and helps ensure the lifespan of your electronics.

Types of Surge Protection Devices

The three main types of surge protectors are service entrance, whole-home, and receptacle protectors. Service entrance protectors attach to the house’s exterior between the main distribution transformer and the main breaker panel. The protector acts as a filter for electricity from the main line into the home, protecting your panel against surges. Installation of these devices is complex and often cost-prohibitive.

Whole-home surge protectors install directly to the main breaker panel in the house. The devices can protect a single circuit or all circuits, depending on the device and its installation. While many whole-home devices sell as DIY-friendly, it is best to leave the installation to qualified electricians. Electrical work is potentially hazardous for novices, even with lower voltages.

Receptacle surge protectors are likely the most familiar to homeowners. The surge protection devices are inexpensive and plug directly into an outlet. Some people might know them as power strips. The advantage of a receptacle protector is it allows for multiple low-power devices to share a single outlet.

Unfortunately, this device is not as effective at eliminating or protecting against power surges. It primarily acts as a surge arrestor; instead of absorbing the electrical surge like the other devices, it simply transfers it to the ground wire. Ultimately, a receptacle protector does not provide a complete defense, meaning it is better as a secondary level of protection.

Installation of Surge Protection Devices

When installing surge protection devices in a residential or commercial property, it is best to hire a licensed electrician. DIY methods are dangerous and present severe risks to home, business, or property owners. A licensed electrician working for a reputable service in northern Utah is your best bet for correctly installed devices. Contact All Aboard if you need electrical repair or protection devices installed. We will send a team of qualified electricians to assess your system needs and provide an estimate for your project.