Safeguard Your Devices with Whole House Surge Protectors

In most modern homes, electrical outlets and extension cords are filled to the brim with electric devices and appliances. From computers and televisions to washers and dryers to refrigerators and cell phone chargers... the list goes on and on. These important and often expensive devices should be protected against spring and summer storms that result in power outages. With a whole house surge protector, you can rest easy during power surge events knowing your investments are safe from harm.

Watch Out for Power Surges

Our appliances and electronic devices have circuitry and components that could easily be damaged by a power surge if unprotected. And as homes become more “smart” with smart devices that require constant energy connection, we risk major equipment damage and expensive repairs from power surges.

Power surges are most often thought to be associated with lightning and storms. However, power surges can occur at any time of the day, regardless of the weather. While not as intense as a lightning strike, surges can also originate from things like:

• Faulty wiring
• Outdated electrical systems
• Downed power lines
• Power grid failures
• Circuit overload (hairdryers, space heaters, power tools, HVAC equipment, etc.)

The main purpose of a surge protector is to protect electronic devices from transient voltage, otherwise known as power surges. A power surge is an increase in voltage that is significantly higher than the designated level in the flow of electricity. For example, in a normal American household, the standard voltage is 120 volts. If the voltage coming into the house rises above 120 volts (which is often the case with power surges), it can damage or destroy or destroy any unprotected electronic device that is plugged in.

Types of Power Surge Protectors

House surge protectors are a great way to protect your electronic investments from voltage spikes and power surges. There are a couple of different types of surge protectors to choose from. The electrical experts at Bradley Mechanical help you determine the right surge protection for your home and budget.

Plug-in Surge Protector

A plug-in or point-of-use power surge protector is the most common type used and shouldn’t be mistaken as an extension cord. This type of device protects whatever devices that are directly plugged into it. A plug-in surge protector will not stop a power surge but rather divert it to the ground, away from any devices plugged into it. While they may be an inexpensive solution, standard plug-in surge protectors can only handle about 6,000 volts.

Whole House Surge Protector

This type of surge protector is installed between the electrical service panel of your home and the electric meter. As the name implies, a whole house surge protector protects the entire electrical system in your home, including all circuits. They can be used along with point-of-use surge protectors to double the level of protection from electrical surges. A major benefit a whole house surge protector has over a plug-in type is that it can protect what can’t be plugged in, such as light switches and outlets. Another benefit is that whole house surge protectors can handle much larger surges, up to 20,000 volts from outside the home. These types of surge protectors should only be installed by a licensed electrician like the ones from Bradley Mechanical.

Which type is right for you? While the plug-in options are more affordable and easily accessible, they do not protect your devices in the same way that a whole house surge protector can. As a bigger investment, house surge protectors offer a higher level of surge protection. Although rare, high-surge events caused by major storms could damage extremely expensive equipment beyond repair. Not only does it save you money in the long run, but it can also provide peace of mind when the lights go out.

Investing in a Power Surge Protector

Bradley Mechanical has been known as Central Virginia’s electrical expert for over 50 years. We cover a range of options when it comes to protecting your home against extreme weather events or unexpected events that result in power surges. Our team of expert electricians can help you narrow down the right surge protector, as well as other surge protection devices to consider. We’ll also do a thorough inspection of your home’s wiring prior to installation to ensure it’s up-to-date and ready for the spring and summer storm months.

We’ve built our reputation on providing excellent service with well-trained technicians. Let our team of certified electricians help safeguard your home and all of its electronic devices with plug-in or whole house surge protectors.