Protect Your Home from Power Surges: Whole-House Solutions

A Whole House Surge Protector Offers the Ultimate Protection

Power surges are not uncommon and can happen at any time. Most of the time, there is no warning, which means homeowners can’t take steps to prepare or protect appliances and electronics in the home. This can leave behind costly damages and other issues and lead to hazards in the home. A whole-house surge protector is designed to proactively prepare and protect the entire home against any potential power surges that might happen.

Knowing the Danger of Power Surges

Flames engulfing an electrical outlet, illustrating the dangers of power surges and the risk of electrical fires in homes.

Many homeowners invest in a power strip surge protector for electronics and appliances. While these can be helpful and offer surge protection for just one item or one plug, a whole-home surge protector can protect an entire home.

Most power surges occur outside of homeowners’ control. They could stem from a lightning strike or something related to the electrical grid. A small fluctuation in voltage can cause major damage to sensitive electronic devices or appliances.

These are a few common dangers of a power surge:

Damage to sensitive electronics (computers, televisions, etc.)
Appliance failure
Risk of electrical fire

Understanding these risks is important to emphasize the value and safety a whole house surge protector can provide. At the very least, using a surge protector power strip is recommended.

Reasons Whole House Surge Protection is a Must

Power strip surge protector with multiple outlets and colored plugs, representing limited surge protection for home electronics and appliances.

Ultimately, when a power strip surge protector is used, it provides limited protection. While limited protection is better than nothing, it doesn’t protect everything. These are designed to protect a single device in most cases. The difference between this and a whole-house surge protector is how comprehensive the protection is.

A whole-house surge protector comprehensively protects all home devices and the entire electrical system. It is installed directly on the home’s electrical panel and designed to guard against power surges outside the home, such as lightning strikes.

There are so many benefits to this type of comprehensive protection:

Long-term savings by preventing damage to valuable appliances and electronics
Peace of mind that the entire electrical system is shielded
Complete and total protection of devices and the home’s entire electrical

The protection is broad and more reliable. It’s an investment that often pays for itself by protecting everything in the home.

Knowing When To Replace a Surge Protector

It is important to know that a whole-home surge protector and surge protector power strips don’t last forever. Generally speaking, a home system lasts about 3-5 years, depending on how many power surges it has to handle.

Check out these signs it’s time to replace the surge protection system:

Frequent power surges and electrical disturbances
The indicator light is flickering or off
An increase in electrical damage or lack of protection

About Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning

Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning offers a wide range of services. Its solid reputation and expertise are reflected in its 4.9-star rating. Customers can count on fast and professional service every time. Contact them today for whole house surge protector services in Sun Prairie, WI.

Distribution Links +

Schedule Service

Why Get a Whole House Surge Protector?

Most people think of their home as an investment, and this is absolutely true. Unfortunately, many of those same people fail to take steps to protect their investments. Because not only is the home an investment but all the expensive items inside it. From the washer and dryer to the flat-screen television to the computers, most homes have at least tens of thousands of dollars worth of electronics in them. While these items aren’t technically part of the house, they comprise the household. And no one wants to replace expensive electronic devices if they can avoid it.

That’s where whole house surge protectors come in. These devices can prevent catastrophic electrical surges from damaging expensive equipment. But how do they work, and how do homeowners best protect their assets? Read on to find out.

Dangerous Power Surges

Most people think of a power surge as a lightning strike that hits the home and fries any electronics it comes into contact with. This is not the most common cause of a power surge. Generally, when lighting causes a power surge, it does so by hitting power lines. The lighting does not have to strike the home directly to cause a power surge. But when these surges do happen, homes without a whole-house surge protector are vulnerable. The surge can damage electronic equipment inside the home, causing thousands of dollars in damages.

Other power surges can happen when there’s a power outage and the electricity is restored to the grid. Sometimes, power surges are so small that homeowners don’t even notice that they’ve happened. While these small surges may not cause directly visible damage to electronic devices, multiple small surges can damage electronics over time. A whole-house surge protector guards against these kinds of external power surges.

How a Whole House Surge Protector Helps

Whole-house surge protectors are installed where power enters the home from the grid, between the meter and the breaker box. In this position, they can protect against external power surges by diverting any extra power to the ground, thereby neutralizing it and protecting the home’s electrical system. Most of these are rated for 40,000 amps, considerably more than the 30,000 amps in the average lighting strike.

Most people already have some form of surge protection in their homes. Often, these are surge protector power strips designed to protect against minor power surges, meaning they’re not equipped to deal with the larger surges that whole-home surge protectors are designed for. However, most electricians recommend using both types of surge protectors for layered protection in the home.

When To Replace an Old Surge Protector

Whole house surge protectors‌ only last three to five years. If a protector is used often, meaning it has protected the house from power surges, it may need to be replaced sooner. Thankfully, most home surge protectors have a simple indicator light that tells whether the device needs replacing. However, even if the light is on, the device should be replaced every two or three years for ultimate protection. Consulting a professional electrician for whole home surge protector installation and replacement is always a good idea.

About Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning

The friendly professionals at Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning have served Sun Prairie, WI, for 40 years! Their technicians undergo rigorous background checks and always leave the home clean. They also provide fast turnaround times with the latest technology. Contact them today for whole house surge protector installation in Sun Prairie, WI!

Distribution Links +

Schedule Service

As the holiday season approaches in Southeast Wisconsin, our homes glow with festive lights and cheer. However, this increase in electrical demand can lead to power surges. Let’s explore how to keep your home safe and bright this winter.

Understanding Power Surges: Unlike power outages that plunge homes into darkness, power surges are sudden spikes in voltage that can damage your electronic devices and appliances. From phone chargers to refrigerators, these surges can harm essential household items.

The Risks of Winter Power Surges: Increased electrical usage during the holidays, combined with Wisconsin’s cold weather, heightens the risk of power surges. These unexpected voltage increases can be harmful to both your electronic devices and your family’s safety. Overheating appliances and melting wires can even lead to household fires, a risk that’s all too real, with over 50,000 electrical fires occurring annually in homes.

Safeguarding With Surge Protectors: Whole house surge protectors offer a reliable solution. They detect and manage voltage irregularities, protecting your entire home from transient voltage that can arise from various sources. On the other hand, power strips, while convenient for expanding outlet capacity, are not a safe solution for handling multiple high-energy appliances and can lead to overloading and potential fire hazards.

Regular Maintenance Is Key: Just like any protective equipment, surge protectors need regular check-ups. After 3 to 5 years, or if you notice any warning signs like warm cords, color changes, or burning smells, it’s time to replace them. Regular monitoring can prevent potential dangers and ensure continuous protection.

Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning: Your Trusted Partner: At Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning, we bring over 35 years of experience in electrical services. Our team of expert electricians is ready to ensure your home remains safe and joyous this holiday season. From installing whole-house surge protectors to conducting safety inspections, we’re here to help.

Stay safe and enjoy the holidays without worry. Protect your home from power surges with the right precautions and professional support from Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning.

For peace of mind this holiday season, contact Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning. Let us handle your electrical needs so you can focus on celebrating with loved ones. Learn more about the author here.