In this article, we will explore the different options for whole house surge protection, the benefits it provides, and why installing it is a wise decision. Tyson Orth, an electrical business entrepreneur, underscores the significance of proactive measures to safeguard your home’s electrical system from the risks of surges.
What Is Whole House Surge Protection?
Whole house surge protection is a system designed to prevent electrical surges from damaging the wiring, appliances, and electronics in your home. Unlike traditional surge protectors that are used to protect individual devices (like computers, TVs, or home theater systems), whole house surge protection is installed at the main electrical panel and provides protection for the entire home. It works by diverting excess voltage from a surge into the ground, preventing it from entering the electrical system.
Whole house surge protectors are typically installed by a licensed electrician and act as the first line of defense against surges caused by external sources, such as lightning strikes or power grid issues, as well as internal sources, such as appliances cycling on and off.
How Does Whole House Surge Protection Work?
When a surge occurs, the whole house surge protector detects the sudden increase in voltage. The surge protector redirects the excess energy away from your home’s electrical system and safely grounds it. This process prevents the surge from traveling through your wiring, damaging your electrical devices, and causing fires or other electrical hazards.
Whole house surge protection devices are typically installed at the main electrical panel and work in tandem with secondary surge protectors (such as power strips) that may already be in place for high-value devices. While individual surge protectors are effective for small-scale protection, a whole house surge protector is designed to handle much larger surges and offer comprehensive protection.
Types of Whole House Surge Protection Systems
There are a few different options when it comes to installing whole house surge protection, each offering varying levels of protection and installation complexity. The most common types are:
1. Service Entrance Surge Protection
Service entrance surge protectors are installed at the point where the electrical system enters your home—typically at the main electrical panel. These devices provide the most comprehensive protection by intercepting power surges before they can enter the home’s wiring. Service entrance surge protectors are typically hardwired into your system and protect against both external surges (such as lightning) and internal surges (from appliances or other electrical equipment).
Key Features:
- Comprehensive protection: Offers protection for the entire home, including all appliances and electronics.
- Hardwired installation: Installed directly into the electrical panel.
- Handles large surges: Effective at protecting against surges caused by lightning strikes or power grid fluctuations.
2. Point-of-Use Surge Protection
While point-of-use surge protection is commonly used to protect individual devices (like computers, refrigerators, or televisions), there are also point-of-use surge protectors designed for electrical panels. These surge protectors are typically installed inside the main panel and are used in conjunction with service entrance surge protection for additional protection against surges.
Key Features:
- Supplemental protection: Adds a layer of protection on top of service entrance surge protectors.
- Easy installation: Point-of-use surge protectors inside the panel are typically easier to install than other systems.
- Protection for critical devices: Can protect high-value appliances or electronics, such as HVAC systems, refrigerators, or medical equipment.
3. Whole House Surge Protector with Backup Power
Some homeowners choose to install a whole house surge protector with integrated backup power. This type of system is particularly useful in areas prone to frequent power outages or voltage fluctuations. It not only protects against power surges but also provides a temporary backup power source, ensuring that critical appliances and devices continue to operate during a power interruption.
Key Features:
- Dual functionality: Protects against surges while offering backup power.
- Ideal for areas with frequent power interruptions: Keeps appliances running when the power goes out.
- Requires additional equipment: Backup power systems typically require an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) or battery storage.
Benefits of Whole House Surge Protection
Whole house surge protection offers a range of benefits that go beyond simply protecting your electronics. Installing a surge protection system provides peace of mind, reduces the risk of costly repairs, and prolongs the life of your electrical system and appliances.
1. Comprehensive Protection for All Devices
One of the primary benefits of whole house surge protection is that it offers protection for all devices connected to the electrical system. While point-of-use surge protectors only protect the devices plugged directly into them, whole house surge protection protects your entire home, including hardwired systems like HVAC units, water heaters, and built-in appliances. This comprehensive coverage ensures that all devices, regardless of their connection, are protected from damaging power surges.
2. Protection Against Lightning Strikes
Lightning strikes are one of the most common causes of electrical surges. When lightning strikes nearby power lines or your home directly, it can cause a massive surge that could destroy appliances, damage wiring, or even cause a fire. Whole house surge protection is specifically designed to handle these types of extreme surges, preventing them from entering your home’s electrical system and causing extensive damage.
3. Reduced Repair Costs and Insurance Claims
By preventing electrical surges, whole house surge protection helps reduce the risk of costly repairs to your appliances and electronics. The average cost of replacing a damaged appliance or device can add up quickly, especially if multiple items are affected. Installing surge protection can save you money in the long run by preventing damage before it occurs. Additionally, protecting your appliances and devices may lower your homeowner's insurance premiums by reducing the likelihood of claims related to electrical damage.
4. Extended Lifespan of Appliances
Electrical surges can shorten the lifespan of appliances and electronic devices by causing internal damage to their components. By preventing surges from entering the electrical system, a whole house surge protector helps extend the lifespan of your devices. This can result in fewer replacements, lower maintenance costs, and better overall efficiency for your household.
5. Peace of Mind
Knowing that your home’s electrical system is protected from power surges provides peace of mind, especially in areas prone to thunderstorms or power grid instability. You can rest assured that your home is safeguarded against the unpredictable nature of power surges, ensuring the safety and longevity of your electrical devices.
Installation Considerations and Costs
While the benefits of whole house surge protection are clear, it’s important to consider the installation process and associated costs. Installing a whole house surge protection system typically requires professional assistance from a licensed electrician. The cost of installation can vary depending on the type of system you choose, the complexity of your home’s electrical system, and the level of protection required. However, the cost of installation is generally much lower than the cost of replacing or repairing damaged appliances.
Tyson Orth, an electrical business entrepreneur, recommends that homeowners consult with a licensed electrician to determine the best surge protection system for their needs. A professional will evaluate your home’s electrical system, recommend the appropriate protection level, and ensure that the system is installed correctly and up to code.
Whole house surge protection is an essential investment for protecting your home’s electrical system, appliances, and electronics from the dangers of power surges. By installing a whole house surge protector, you ensure comprehensive protection from lightning strikes, grid instability, and internal power fluctuations.
The benefits, including cost savings, extended lifespan of appliances, and peace of mind, make it a worthwhile investment for homeowners looking to safeguard their home’s electrical system. Tyson Orth emphasizes that protecting your home with surge protection should be a top priority, as it can prevent expensive repairs and help ensure the longevity of your electrical devices.