Surge Protectors

Stop power surges from harming your electronic appliances

Surge suppressors, also called surge protectors, stop power surges from harming your electronic appliances in the home. The whole house surge suppressor connects to the main electric panel off a circuit breaker or directly between the meter and panel, while the more common type are point-of-use surge protectors (which plugs into an electrical outlet) for electronics such as computers, telephones, printers, etc.

Electrical disruptions in power are real and they are becoming more of a threat to electronic equipment. Regardless of whether or not you live in a new home, constant fluctuations happen all the time. A voltage surge or spike is caused by a blown transformer, downed power lines, lightning, electric power grid switching, etc. Over 50 percent of the power surges your electronic equipment will experience are created within your own home when appliances with large motors, such as air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, compressors, etc., turn on and off. Most electronic devices made today contain micro-processing chips that are sensitive to voltage spikes, even your light bulbs are affected. If your light bulbs seem to wear out quickly, then you're probably already experiencing fluctuations that the whole house suppressor can help smooth out. You need surge protection, and lots of it, if you want to protect everything connected to your house power source.

A surge suppressor is a shield. It protects from damaging surges of electricity traveling through your home circuits and power cords. Electrical devices such as computers, and TV's have transformed our lives, unfortunately, they must be plugged in, which leaves them vulnerable to surges in power.

First thing to consider when purchasing these devices is the rating of the panel in your home to assure that you get the right device, one with a reaction time of three nano seconds. Second thing to consider is the clamping voltage, you will want 330 or less. Also, make sure it has warning lights to let you know if it is working properly (these lights are usually red and green).

A whole house surge suppressor and a point-of-use surge protector should be used together for two tiers of protection. They are designed to stop harmful surges and spikes before they can travel towards the electronic equipment in your home. They are not DIY friendly so we recommend a professional, licensed electrician to install a whole house suppressor.

For more information on surge suppression devices, contact us at 804-222-2213 or visit our online form Click Here.

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