Take a look around your home and count how many appliances and expensive electronics you have. Now imagine needing to replace all of them because a sudden electrical surge destroys them all.
It might sound unlikely, but it’s possible. The last thing you want is to spend thousands of dollars to replace your belongings, but when you have a surge protector, you won’t have to.
What is a surge protector? Crowe Electric, top-notch electricians in Hanover, MA, explains and shares reasons why a whole-house surge protector is a worthwhile investment in home safety.
What Causes Power Surges in Hanover, MA?
Before we answer, “What is a surge protector?” it’s helpful to explain what causes a sudden influx of power.
When electricity flows into your home, it stays at a fairly steady rate. However, sudden voltage spikes and surges can occur at any time. For example, when large appliances like air conditioners turn on and off, the sudden changes in power draw can cause a fluctuation.
In most cases, these small spikes and dips occur without you even noticing. If the power suddenly increases on a specific circuit, the circuit breaker can automatically cut the power to that line and prevent damage. Simply flipping the switch back into the on position can restore power to that circuit.
However, when the voltage increase is significantly larger, the circuit breaker may be unable to handle it. Most people associate this type of surge with a lightning strike, but those are actually uncommon compared to other causes. In fact, it’s more likely that your Hanover home will experience an electrical surge because of:
- Faulty wiring
- Power restoration after an outage
- Large appliances coming on
- Downed power lines
- Tripped circuit breakers
- Problems with the local power grid
It’s common for the typical home to experience power surges of up to 1,000 volts at a time throughout the day, too, without you even noticing. While these mini-surges might not cause problems with your electrical devices individually, over time, they can have a cumulative effect and cause damage.
How Surge Protectors Can Help
So, given that these fluctuations can happen at any time, what is a surge protector, and how can it help keep your electronics safe?
There are two types of surge protectors: whole-house and individual circuits. A whole-house surge protector connects directly to your home’s electrical panel and stops significant voltage increases before they reach the wiring.
Individual circuit devices offer equipment protection for vulnerable devices. These are typically power strip-type devices, which allow you to power multiple devices from a single outlet. However, not all power strips offer surge protection, and quality varies significantly between those that do.
Most Hanover electricians recommend using a combination of whole-house and individual surge protectors for maximum protection. Although whole-house protectors do a great job, they can still allow up to 15% of the excess power to reach the circuits. An individual circuit protector adds another layer of protection for your most valuable items.
What To Look for in a Surge Protector for Your Hanover Home
Many homeowners ask, “What is a surge protector going to cost?” Surge protectors are an inexpensive way to protect your home; power strips typically cost less than $100, while whole-house devices are a few hundred dollars. Whole-house surge protectors also require professional installation to ensure proper grounding, which keeps the diverted electricity from finding another destructive path.
Other factors to consider when shipping for protective devices include:
- Joules rating, which is better for absorbing excess power the higher the rating is; whole-house protestors should have a rating of 20,000 to 40,000 amps, while power strips need at least a 600 amp capacity
- UL certification, which indicates that the device meets safety standards
- Lights and alarms, which tell you when the unit is no longer working
It’s important to note that even quality surge protectors aren’t 100% guaranteed to block electricity spikes, and they do require replacement after a major surge or several years of use. However, they can make a substantial difference, potentially preventing thousands of dollars in damage.
Let Hanover’s Most Respected Electricians Protect Your Home
Now that you have the answer to “What is a surge protector?” you probably want to add one to your home for extra protection. Crowe Electric is here to help homeowners in Hanover, MA, select the right device and provide professional installation. We can also help if you’re dealing with the aftermath of a surge with electrical panel repair and replacement, so get in touch today to work with our licensed electricians.