What Is a Whole House Surge Protector? All You Need to Know

What is a whole house surge protector? Do you need one? This article highlights the various facets of whole house surge protectors and their utility. Keep reading to find out.

If you realize that your electronic appliances aren't operating as well as they used or that your house started to smell like something is burning, the most likely cause is a power surge. A power surge is something that should be identified and fixed before the damage gets out of hand. In this article, we'll look at what a power surge is, why it happens, and how calling an electrical contractor to install the best whole house surge protector can help avoid damage. Let's get started.  

What Is a Surge Protector?

A whole home surge protector regulates the flow of voltage by allowing multiple devices to connect or plug into a single power outlet. The main objective is to reduce or prevent the damage caused by the frequent power surges. 

What Is a Power Surge? 

The voltage levels for electronics usually range between 110 and 220 volts. Power surges occur when the amount of voltage coming via wires into devices is much higher than typical. Depending on the voltage flow, the intensity may change. If you detect a problem with your device's performance or damage, a power surge could be the cause. Surges of electricity are common. 

Minor surges can be handled with minimal to no damage. The damage is limited until a power surge occurs owing to a voltage exceeding 170 V. It can be deadly if it exceeds 170 V, but this is uncommon because lightning strikes frequently create surges of that magnitude. This is why you need surge protection for whole house.

High-resolution image of a whole-home surge protector installed by McCarrick Electric for a client

Power surges occur mainly because of the reasons mentioned below:

Undue Strain Is Put On A Single Circuit, Resulting In Overload

There are limitations to circuits. There is a minimum voltage that can be handled, and if this limit is surpassed, an electrical overload can occur, resulting in a power surge. This is why whole house surge protection is needed. 

People frequently use extension cords to connect multiple devices and chargers to the same circuit, putting undue strain on the single circuit. This causes a voltage spike that exceeds the normal limit, resulting in an electrical overload that is frequently followed by a power surge. This is where you might need a full house surge protector.

Defective And Poorly Installed Wires

Wires are essential as voltage passes through them. If the wires are damaged, there's often obstruction of flow or a sudden burst of voltage into the devices, harming both devices and producing a power surge. Because most of the wiring is hidden inside the wall, ruling out defective wiring is a challenging option. 

The usual indicators include looking for burn marks or, in most situations, if there's defective wiring, you can smell as if something is burning, and you can also hear different sounds from the circuits. If you detect anything like this, disconnect the devices and contact an electrician to get them replaced. Whole house surge protector installation is a must as well.

Lightning Strikes And Power Grid Failures In The Rainy Season

Because of lightning strikes on electrical lines, blackouts, power grid failures, and power surges are common during the rainy season. When there is a power cut while it is raining, it is recommended that you unplug devices from the square circuits because a lightning strike on the power line exposes the line to a massive amount of current, resulting in a voltage spike. When the power is restored, the quick surge of surplus voltage might overload the circuits, causing a power surge. If there isn't a whole house surge protection installed, the consequences can be disastrous.

What is a Whole House Surge Protector? 

How does a whole house surge protector work? Let us explain why it's so crucial to have one installed in your house, especially with our increased usage of electronic gadgets. We use a variety of electronic appliances, including refrigerators, microwave ovens, rice cookers, televisions, and more. 

When there is a power surge, all of these gadgets are at risk of being damaged. To avoid this, a whole house surge protector must be installed. Its objective is to ensure that no electrical appliances are damaged by a power surge frequently caused by a voltage spike. It can regulate the flow of surplus electrical current through wires, which is common during power surges. When you have a full house surge protector installed, it doesn't matter if the power surge is caused by a lightning strike or something else. It acts as a circuit breaker and protects your device. 

Benefits Of Whole House Surge Protection

Surges of power occur frequently. Although high-intensity power surges are rare, most heavy appliances create minor surges daily. Refrigerators and air conditioners, for example. Although the damage may not be immediate, these minor surges can influence the general functionality and performance of that electrical equipment over time.

A close-up of a full house surge protector installed by McCarrick Electric professionals

A whole house surge protector installation:

  • Prevents damage to your electronic devices
  • Prevents high-intensity power surges by regulating the passage of surplus voltage
  • Protects the devices from the internal surges which happen often
  • High intense power surges may end up causing fires which can destroy the whole property. Whole house surge protection prevents such scenarios
  • It is cost-effective and gives you a lot of money which you have to otherwise spend on the tremendous amount of damage the power surges can cause daily

Get a Residential Surge Protector Installed By The Pros

The whole house surge protector installation process is necessary and should be done by a professional. So don't hesitate to contact McCarrick Electric, a company that has been in business for almost 25 years and has a proven track record of success and accomplishment. 

If you need complete home surge protection, we are here to help. We serve the following locations:

  • Commerce City
  • Aurora
  • Denver
  • Henderson
  • Brighton
  • Thornton
  • Westminster
  • Highlands Ranch
  • Littleton
  • Parker

Installing a residential surge protector is absolutely necessary to ensure the protection and safety of all your gadgets, appliances, and the entire property. Contact us to get the estimated cost of the breaker surge protector now.

720-601-1991Contact Us