Surge protection is a system designed to shield your home and electronic devices from unexpected increases in electrical voltage. Power surges, also known as transient voltage, can occur from internal and external sources, causing damage or even complete destruction of your electronics and appliances if unprotected.
What Causes Power Surges?
Power surges can originate from both inside and outside your home. Understanding these sources can help you take preventive measures:
- Internal Sources: Large appliances like air conditioners, furnaces, washers, dryers, and power tools are the most common culprits of internal power surges. As these devices cycle on and off, they create sudden fluctuations in voltage.
- External Sources: External power surges are typically caused by lightning strikes, power grid changes, or downed power lines. These surges can send high-voltage currents into your home’s electrical system, posing significant risks.
When a surge occurs, the excess voltage passes through your electrical devices, potentially overheating and damaging wiring, circuits, and components. Even small surges over time can degrade electronics, shortening their lifespan.
How to Prevent Power Surge Damage
Protecting your home from power surges involves both point-of-use and whole-home solutions:
1. Point-of-Use Surge Protectors
Power strip surge protectors are designed to shield individual devices by diverting excess voltage to the ground. These protectors are inexpensive and easy to use. Features to look for include:
- An indicator light or alarm that signals when the protector needs replacement.
- Appropriate joule ratings to match the level of protection your devices need.
While effective for small-scale surges, these devices cannot handle large voltage spikes or protect your home’s entire electrical system.
2. Whole Home Surge Protection
Whole home surge protection, also known as service entrance surge protection, is installed near your main electrical panel. This system offers superior protection by addressing larger surges that power strip protectors cannot handle. Key benefits include:
- Protection for hardwired components like outlets, switches, and light fixtures.
- Higher capacity to handle significant voltage changes.
- Increased safety and reduced risk of damage to expensive electronics and appliances.
It’s important to note that no surge protection system can fully guard against a direct lightning strike. During electrical storms, unplug sensitive electronics as an extra precaution.
Why Choose ABC Plumbing, Sewer, Heating, Cooling and Electric?
ABC Plumbing, Sewer, Heating, Cooling and Electric offers expert installation of both point-of-use and whole home surge protection systems. With over 75 years of experience serving the Chicagoland area, we’re committed to helping homeowners protect their investments and ensure the safety of their electrical systems.
Our licensed electricians can assess your home’s specific needs and recommend the best surge protection solutions for comprehensive coverage and peace of mind.
Find Your Nearest Location and Contact Us Today!
Don’t wait for a power surge to damage your home’s electronics and appliances. Scroll down the page to find the ABC Plumbing, Sewer, Heating, Cooling and Electric location closest to you and call us today. Let us help you safeguard your home with reliable surge protection solutions!
