Homeowners Guide to Surge Protection
Your electrical system is designed to safely manage a certain amount of voltage to power your home and all your electronics. When there’s a sudden spike in voltage, this is called a power surge. Power surges may only take a fraction of a second to happen, but they can cause significant damage to your home’s electrical systems and devices.
Fortunately, there are measures you can take to protect your home from these surges and avoid expensive electrical damage. Lancaster Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical offers surge protection services to save your home from unexpected power surges.
What Causes Power Surges?
If you own a home in Pennsylvania, chances are you don’t worry much about power surges outside of thunderstorms. The reality is that power surges can be caused by several factors, both inside and outside your home. Apart from lightning, power surges can be caused by:
- Faulty wiring
- Overloaded circuits
- Power outages and restoration
- Faulty power grid equipment
- Large appliances cycling on and off
Types of Surge Protectors & How They Work
Several types of surge protectors are designed to provide varying levels of protection for your home’s electronics. The most common types of surge protectors are:
- Power strip surge protector: The most common type of surge protection is power strips that offer protection for multiple devices through a single outlet. They work by diverting excess voltage from your electronics so they aren’t damaged during a surge.
- Wall-mount surge protector: This type of surge protector fits directly over a single outlet, offering localized protection for one or two devices. It’s a great choice to protect small electronics, such as televisions or computers, without taking up floor space.
- Whole-home surge protector: Installed at your main electrical panel, these surge protectors detect any spikes in voltage, automatically diverting the extra voltage to a ground wire before it ever reaches your electronics. They’re ideal for comprehensive protection because they cover all appliances and electronics at once.
How To Choose the Right Surge Protector for Your Home
When choosing surge protection for your home, consider factors like the number of outlets and electrical devices you need to cover, the joule rating (which indicates how much energy the protector can absorb), and the response time, which tells you how quickly the protector reacts to a surge.
A whole-home surge protector is typically the best choice for complete protection, particularly for larger homes or homes with multiple high-powered appliances. If you’re unsure which option is right for you, the pros at Lancaster Plumbing & Heating can guide you toward the best surge protector for your needs.
Installation & Maintenance of Surge Protectors
Because they’re integrated into your electrical panel, only a licensed electrician should install whole-home surge protectors. Proper installation is essential for optimal performance and safety. At Lancaster Plumbing & Heating, our licensed electricians provide a full range of electrical services and are skilled at integrating whole-home surge protectors into home electrical systems.
Regular maintenance is also important, as surge protectors can wear down after absorbing multiple surges. With installation and maintenance from an experienced and licensed electrician, you can keep your surge protector in top condition, giving you the peace of mind of knowing that all your electronics are safe.
Schedule Surge Protector Services With Us Today
Protect your entire home and electronics with a whole-home surge protector from Lancaster Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical. Our licensed, background-checked technicians will help you choose and expertly install the best option for your home’s needs.
Our pricing is upfront, and we don’t charge overtime fees, so there won’t be any surprises on your bill. With over a century of experience serving Pennsylvania, we’re the trusted choice for all your electrical needs.
Contact our team today to schedule surge protection services in Pennsylvania.
