Why Homes Need a Whole House Surge Protector
With electronics more ubiquitous than ever, people should understand electricity better to ensure they get the most from their devices. In the past few decades, electronics were not a part of every appliance and device people owned. Now, sensitive control boards are a part of everything in the home. While this makes life easier and more convenient, it can spell disaster when power surges hit the home.
A power surge is a sudden spike in power that exposes all of the electronics in the home to a burst of energy. When they occur, they can permanently damage or destroy the electronics, so owners have to incur the replacement cost. With most homes experiencing thousands of power surges per year, it makes more sense to install surge protection now than ever before. Luckily, new whole-home surge protectors make protecting the home easier than buying dozens of devices. Here is a quick guide to these important devices and why everyone needs one in their home.
Dangers of Power Surges
Power surges can occur anytime a dramatic change in the amount of power used or supplied to the grid. In a home, when a large appliance like an air conditioner or washing machine shuts off, a small power surge flows around the home. This type of power surge is usually small and no cause for concern. The biggest source of damage resulting from power surges occurs during lighting strikes or large shifts in industrial power usage. Whole-home surge protectors are perfect for defending the home against these events.
Power surges can cause damage in a couple of ways. In rare events, they can cause fires; however, they more commonly destroy electronics. Large power surges can fry sensitive circuit boards in milliseconds, but even small, repeated power surges can take a toll over the years and shorten the life of electronics and appliances.
Benefits of Whole House Surge Protectors
Whole-home surge protectors are installed at the service entrance for electricity. This means they protect all of the electronics and appliances that are tied to the service panel downstream. In the past, owners could easily protect televisions and computers with special power strips that offered surge protection. Since so many more electrons are in use, whole-house surge protectors make more sense. Instead of needing a whole box of power strip surge protectors, one simple device protects the entire home, often for a lower price than purchasing many inferior devices.
When To Replace an Old Surge Protector
Homes and businesses that already have surge protection need to understand the limits of their devices. Whole-home surge protectors are only rated to handle a certain amount of excess power throughout their lifespan, although the amount they can handle is staggering. The easiest rule of thumb for gauging the effectiveness of a surge protector is age.
After three to five years in service, it has likely handled enough excess power that it needs replacement. Other signs that a surge protector needs to be replaced include:
- Damaged electronics
- Flickering lights
- Burning smells or scorch marks
- Indicator lights on the surge protector
About All Services
All Services is a one-stop service provider for owners, providing residential and commercial electrical installation and repairs. They keep fully stocked trucks for quick repairs and promise prompt attention. Call today for electrical service in Crown Point, IN.
