What Is a Power Surge?
A power surge is a sudden increase in electrical voltage. Although a surge may last only a fraction of a second, it can damage sensitive electronic components found in modern appliances and equipment.
Common causes of power surges include:
- Lightning and severe weather
- Utility switching or power restoration
- Downed power lines
- Large appliances cycling on and off
- Heating and cooling equipment
- Pumps, compressors, and electric motors
- Problems within the electrical system
Not every surge causes immediate or visible damage. Smaller surges can gradually wear down electronic components, potentially shortening the life of appliances and equipment over time.
How Does Whole-Home Surge Protection Work?
A whole-home surge protection device is typically installed at or near the electrical panel. When excess voltage enters the electrical system, the device helps redirect it away from the circuits and equipment throughout the home.
Because the device is installed at the panel, it provides broader protection than a plug-in surge protector alone.
Whole-home surge protection may help protect:
- Refrigerators and ranges
- Washers and dryers
- Heating and cooling equipment
- Televisions and computers
- Internet and security systems
- Smart home devices
- Garage door openers
- LED lighting
- EV charging equipment
- Well pumps and irrigation controls
Modern homes contain more electronic components than ever before. Even appliances that may not seem electronic often contain circuit boards, digital controls, and other parts that can be damaged by voltage fluctuations.
Whole-Home Surge Protection vs. Power Strips
A power strip and a surge protector are not necessarily the same thing. A basic power strip only provides additional outlets. A listed plug-in surge protector is designed to provide some protection from voltage spikes.
However, a plug-in surge protector only protects the devices connected to it. It also has a limited capacity and may lose effectiveness after absorbing repeated surges.
Whole-home surge protection provides coverage at the electrical panel before excess voltage reaches individual circuits. For additional protection, homeowners may choose to use both a whole-home device and quality point-of-use surge protectors for especially sensitive or valuable electronics.
Can Surge Protection Prevent Lightning Damage?
Whole-home surge protection can help reduce the risk of damage from certain electrical surges, including voltage spikes associated with nearby lightning activity. However, no surge protection device can guarantee complete protection from a direct lightning strike.
Surge protection works best as part of a properly installed and maintained electrical system. Grounding, bonding, electrical maintenance, and point-of-use protection can all provide additional layers of protection.
The Electrical Safety Foundation International also provides helpful information about surge protection and electrical safety.
Is Whole-Home Surge Protection Worth It?
For many homeowners, whole-home surge protection is a practical way to add another layer of protection to the electrical system. The cost of installing a surge protector may be small compared with replacing damaged appliances, electronics, HVAC controls, or other equipment.
It may be especially beneficial for homes with:
- Expensive appliances or electronics
- Smart home technology
- Frequent outages or voltage fluctuations
- An EV charger
- A well pump or irrigation system
- A home office
- Heating and cooling equipment with electronic controls
- Solar equipment or a generator system
Whole-home surge protection can also be considered during an electrical panel replacement, service upgrade, remodel, or other electrical project. Learn more about our professional electrical installation services for homes and businesses throughout Central Oregon.
Why Professional Installation Matters
Whole-home surge protection should be installed using equipment that is compatible with the electrical panel and service. Proper installation and placement are important for the device to operate as intended.
A licensed electrician can:
- Inspect the home’s electrical service
- Confirm panel compatibility
- Recommend an appropriate surge protection device
- Inspect grounding and bonding
- Safely install the equipment
- Explain how to check the device’s status indicator
Many surge protection devices have an indicator light that shows whether protection is active. Homeowners should periodically check this indicator and contact an electrician if it shows that the device may need service or replacement. Because installation requires work inside the electrical panel, this is another example of why electrical work should never be DIY.
Protect Your Home From Unexpected Power Surges
Power surges are not always dramatic, but they can damage the sensitive electronic components found throughout a modern home. Whole-home surge protection provides broader coverage than plug-in devices alone and may help reduce the risk of costly electrical damage.
Cove Electric, Inc. provides whole-home surge protection installation, panel work, electrical troubleshooting, repairs, and upgrades throughout Central Oregon.