If you’ve ever bought a computer, you’ve probably heard about surge protection, and if you have a fridge, stove, or dryer, your home has probably experienced several power surges every year. In fact, according to the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) 60-80% of all costly electrical surges originate from within your home.
These sudden and brief increases in electrical voltage in your electrical system are so brief, less than a second, that you may not have even noticed them, but your electrical system has and so have your appliances. Keep reading to learn what power surges are doing to your appliances and electrical system and why you should consider installing a whole house power surge protector.
The Effects of Regular Power Surges
The multiple power surges happening daily in your home damage the circuitry of your appliances and electronics. This results in a reduced lifespan and diminished performance. Power surges in electronics can cause data loss, and any electrical equipment, especially high-powered devices like air conditioners and ovens can experience complete failure that is costly to repair.
Power Surge Protection
The best way to protect your appliances and electronics is to use a power surge protector. These devices divert excess voltage away from connected appliances and devices and therefore protect them from most electrical voltage surges.
Types of Power Surge Protectors
There are two types of power surge protectors: point-of-use, or portable, power strip protectors with multiple outlets (you may have one of these in your home office or TV room), and whole house power surge protectors. These are installed at the main electrical panel and offer high-level protection throughout the home against all power surges, whether they originate from inside your home (like when your refrigerator cycles on) or outside (i.e. lightning, downed power lines, power outages, etc.).
Main Benefits of Installing a Whole House Power Surge Protector
Not all your home appliances can be protected by portable surge protectors. Hard-wired appliances like HVAC and smart systems require surge protection at their source point: your main electrical panel. By installing a power surge protector there, you receive comprehensive protection for all your electric appliances and devices. It’s a simple solution to a potentially devastating problem.
Whole house power surge protectors prevent premature appliance and electronic failure and go a long way in preventing electrical fires. The long-term cost-effectiveness of full system protection versus multiple individual protectors offers you peace of mind whenever the power surges.
Get Whole House Surge Protection in Southwestern Ontario
Whole-house surge protectors require professional installation, so if you own a home in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Orangeville or Fergus, call Aire One KW today. With over 30 years of experience serving the Tri-Cities area, we offer comprehensive electrical services.
In addition to installing a whole house power surge protector, we can upgrade your electrical panel, install electrical wiring, and tend to all your emergency electrical needs 24/7. Call us today for the electrical service you need.