Home Protection With Whole House Surge Protectors
Also known as transient voltage, a power surge is a sudden and unanticipated surge in voltage that, if powerful enough, can cause significant damage to electronic devices. In the worst-case scenario, these surges can even ruin these devices and leave them inoperable.
These surges are often brought about during an electric company’s power grid switching and malfunctions in transformers or transmission lines close by. Lightning strikes during intense thunderstorms are usually the culprit behind the most prominent power surges.
While there are smaller surge protectors one can purchase to protect specific electronics, whole-home surge protectors offer protection to the entire building and all electronics and appliances inside. These surge protectors are homeowners’ best bet to protect their electronics and appliances from power surges.
Power Surge Dangers
When an increase in voltage occurs, and the increase is more than the normal voltage, an electrical current arc happens inside the electronic. Heat is produced and results in damage to the circuit boards of the electronics. Other components can also be affected and may completely ruin the device.
Power surges can be incredibly dangerous, not just to the electronics in the house but also to the people. Though typically only a danger to electronics, surges that are powerful enough can overheat an appliance. These severe surges can lead to a fire.
Lightning strikes cause the worst kind of power surge. These surges can ruin appliances and electronics in seconds. On the other hand, smaller surges, which occur when certain appliances turn on or off, cause smaller damages that go unnoticed but will build up over time. When this happens, the device’s life is cut short and the probability of it dying earlier than it should increases.
Homeowners should be prepared if a power surge has a sure power sign associated with these signs are:
- Clock or lights flash on the device
- The device no longer works
- There is a noticeable burnt odor present near the device
Caution should be used when experiencing a power surge as these can quickly become a hazard if they overheat too much and cause a fire. If surge protectors are not present during a thunderstorm, it is advisable to unplug electronics and appliances until the storm passes.
Whole House Surge Protector Benefits
A whole-house surge protector is the best protection a homeowner can invest in to keep their electronics and appliances safe from power surges. Investing in a whole-house surge protector has many benefits.
Homeowners can ensure their high-tech gadgets are protected and prevent damage to appliances. These protectors can also prevent electrical fires from occurring from power surges. These devices are installed by the circuit breaker panel and then wired into the main breaker. They will protect all electronics and apply home electronics and appliances from voltage-increased Protectors.
Whole-house surge protectors have a lifespan of around two to five years. However, this estimate is made based on the size of the power surges that the protector has. The fewer surges it absorbs, the longer it will last. Homeowners who live in an area living a lot of intense thunderstorms may find that their surge protector only lasts a minimum of two years before they need a whole-needing protector replacement.
Professionals recommend replacing surge protectors every two years, but some may be able to wait the whole five years before replacing them. Some protectors will come with a light that will notify homeowners that it’s time for a replacement, but many do not. Other than that, it is almost impossible to determine when homeowners should consider surge protector replacement or surge protector repair. However, homeowners who are unsure if their surge protector still has life to it or if their protector is causing any issues can contact a professional electrician to assess the situation.