With the summer storm season in full force, the answer is simple. Yes, you should install surge protection in every home you live in. In unpredictable weather, a surge protector can prevent damage from not only a direct lightning strike but also power spikes that often result in outages. Wisconsin and other Midwest states are prone to outages and storm-related power events. The costs associated with equipment replacement are often high, and the inconvenience of waiting for insurance claim approval is really not worth the risk.
What is a power surge?
There are two types of spikes in voltage that increase the electric flow to the device past its rating.
An internal power surge happens when devices inside your home, like refrigerators or air conditioners, unintentionally shut off, creating a surge that is then distributed to other appliances in your home.
An external power surge is caused by an external force, most often a lightning strike or a surge in the power grid related to storm activity. It can also be caused by an external force damaging the wiring in your home.
The most common surge protector you will see in a home is plugged into individual outlets, often leaving all your other electronics and appliances exposed. This is still a better solution than not having any protection, but it does not cover your entire household. Also, don’t mistake a power strip for a surge protector — a power strip is like an extension cord and provides no protection for plugged-in equipment. A whole home surge protector is very affordable to install and brings homeowners peace of mind year-round.
Whole Home Surge Protection
The surge protector is a small device that is installed directly in your electric panel, and all electricity that passes through it is protected from surge. Because of the installation, the help of a licensed electrician is required in order to add this device to your home’s electrical panel. This is the most cost-effective solution, as it covers all of the electric appliances in your home. Everything from a toaster to your entertainment center will be protected from a voltage spike.
Benefits of Whole Home Surge Protection
You may still consider plug-in options that protect groups of electronics, but here are the four main reasons to consider a whole-house surge protection installation:
- Complete coverage of your home where you no longer have to worry about what you are plugging into which outlet.
- A more affordable solution, as the cost of purchasing a protector for each outlet would be much more expensive.
- Keeping your home and family safe, as the voltage surge can not only cause equipment damage but also fire.
- Insurance savings, as some policies offer a discount on homes with whole-house surge protection.
How to Install a Whole Home Surge Protector
It is necessary to disconnect your main power supply that enters into your electric panel and then pass it through the surge protector. This means working with very high-voltage equipment that requires a licensed electrician. If you are interested in learning more or scheduling a time for someone to come install this type of device in your home, please contact our experts at Westphal & Company.
