Surge Protectors for Whole Home Protection
Electrical issues are among the most devastating problems homes can face, but plenty of tools are available to keep appliances and homes safe. Whole-home surge protectors protect devices and homes, saving on costly repairs and avoiding the dangers of power surges.
The Problem With Power Surges
Power surges can damage your appliances and electrical devices. In the United States, outlets and appliances are designed around a 120-volt alternating current (AC) that constantly changes direction. This movement also allows for fluctuations in the current, meaning it can drop to 0 volts and climb as high as 169 volts.
While our systems are built to handle these fluctuations, trouble can occur during a power surge. Some dangers and risks of power surges include damaged electronics, appliances, and even electrical fires.
Benefits of Whole House Surge Protectors
Surge protectors work by suppressing the excess voltage so it doesn’t cause harm to electronics and devices.
Whole home surge protectors are mounted inside the main panel of your home so they can monitor the voltage that flows through it. If a power surge occurs, the surge protector will direct the excess voltage from the system to prevent further damage.
While there are several types of whole-house surge protectors, they operate similarly and provide an extra line of defense to protect your home. Power strip surge protectors do what they can but only cover what plugs into them and may not be strong enough for larger surges.
When to Replace an Old Surge Protector
Unfortunately, surge protectors wear down over time. They should be replaced before the parts fail, usually 3 to 5 years after installation or immediately after they activate to protect the home.
Depending on your installed surge protector model, an LED light may tell you whether it’s still operating correctly. If there’s an issue, this light may go out or turn green to red. If you notice flickering or signs of damage to the area, like burns or melted wires, you should call a professional as soon as possible.
Old surge protectors may also cause tripping or fluctuations in your home. An electrician can evaluate the situation to determine whether the surge protector is the issue or if there is another problem.
About Trustworthy Electric
As a family-owned business, Trustworthy Electric knows how hard it is to find service providers you can trust. This is why they strive to uphold their name, ensuring they get the job done as soon as possible and according to their up-front pricing. Call them today with your questions about surge protectors or to schedule electrical services in Montgomery, AL!
