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Power surges can happen in an instant, but the damage they cause can affect some of the most expensive equipment in your home. From your HVAC system to your television, many of today’s appliances rely on sensitive electronic components. Fortunately, a whole-home surge protector can provide an added layer of protection.
Patrick, a licensed electrician with Waldrop Plumbing Air Electric, explains why whole-home surge protection is worth considering and which appliances may be most vulnerable.
What Is a Whole-Home Surge Protector?
A whole-home surge protector is installed at your home’s electrical panel and is designed to help protect your electrical system and connected devices from sudden voltage spikes.
Unlike individual plug-in surge protectors, which only protect the devices connected to them, whole-home surge protection works at the electrical panel to provide broader protection throughout your home.
What Appliances Can Be Damaged by a Power Surge?
As Patrick explains, equipment containing sensitive electronic components and circuit boards can be particularly vulnerable to electrical surges.
That includes many items homeowners use every day, such as:
- HVAC systems
- Computers
- TVs
- Phones and charging devices
- Microwaves
- Dishwashers
- Other appliances with electronic circuit boards
Modern homes have more electronics than ever before. Even major appliances that may not seem like computers can contain sophisticated control boards and other electrical components.
As a result, a significant surge could potentially leave you dealing with costly repairs or replacements.
Where Do Power Surges Come From?
When many people think about power surges, they immediately think about lightning. However, surges can have several causes.
Electrical disturbances can originate outside the home due to utility-related events or severe weather. Additionally, voltage fluctuations can occur within a home’s electrical system as certain equipment cycles on and off.
Because you can’t always predict when a surge will occur, having protection already in place can provide valuable peace of mind.
Is Whole-Home Surge Protection Worth It?
For many homeowners, the biggest benefit of a whole-home surge protector is simple: peace of mind.
Think about how many expensive electronics and appliances are connected to your home’s electrical system at any given moment. Replacing even one major appliance can be costly. Therefore, adding protection at your electrical panel can be a proactive way to help safeguard those investments.
A licensed electrician can evaluate your home’s electrical system and determine the appropriate surge protection solution for your panel.
Whole-Home Surge Protection in Upstate South Carolina
Whether you’re concerned about summer thunderstorms, expensive electronics, or simply want additional protection for your home’s electrical system, a whole-home surge protector may be a worthwhile upgrade.
At Waldrop Plumbing Air Electric, our licensed electricians provide electrical services for homeowners throughout Upstate South Carolina. If you’re interested in adding whole-home surge protection, our team can inspect your electrical system, answer your questions, and recommend the right solution for your home.
Y’all Call Wally to learn more about whole-home surge protection and other residential electrical services.
