Do I Need A Whole Home Surge Protector?
A whole-home surge protector is an electrical device that is designed to protect a home’s electrical system and electronic devices from power surges. Power surges occur when there is a sudden increase in the electrical current flowing through the wires in your home. This can happen due to lightning strikes, power outages, and other electrical issues. Without proper protection, these surges can damage your appliances and electronics, leading to costly repairs and replacements. In this article, we will discuss how a whole-home surge protector works and why it is important to have one installed in your home.
What is a Whole-Home Surge Protector?
A whole-home surge protector is a device that is installed in the main electrical panel of a home. It is designed to protect the entire electrical system by blocking voltage spikes and power surges before they reach your appliances and electronics. These protectors work by shunting excess voltage to the ground, preventing it from entering the home’s wiring and causing damage.
How does a Whole-Home Surge Protector Work?
A whole-home surge protector works by diverting excess voltage to the ground before it can reach your appliances and electronics. There are two types of whole-home surge protectors: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 surge protectors are installed outside the home and are designed to protect against lightning strikes and other high-voltage surges. Type 2 surge protectors are installed inside the home and protect against lower-voltage surges that occur more frequently.
Both types of surge protectors work by using metal oxide varistors (MOVs) to absorb excess voltage. When a surge occurs, the MOVs in the surge protector absorb the excess voltage and redirect it to the ground. This prevents the voltage from entering the home’s wiring and causing damage to appliances and electronics.
Why is a Whole-Home Surge Protector Important?
Installing a whole-home surge protector is a job that should be left to a licensed electrician. Here are the basic steps involved in installing a surge protector:
1. Shut off the power to the main electrical panel.
2. Install the surge protector in the main electrical panel.
3. Connect the surge protector to the ground wire.
4. Connect the surge protector to the main breaker.
5. Turn the power back on and test the surge protector.
It is important to note that not all homes are suitable for a whole-home surge protector. Homes with older electrical systems may not be able to accommodate a surge protector, and some homes may require an electrical panel upgrade before a surge protector can be installed.
Conclusion
A whole-home surge protector is an important device that can protect your appliances, electronics, and home’s electrical system from damage due to power surges. These protectors work by diverting excess voltage to the ground before it can enter your home’s wiring. It is important to have a licensed electrician install a surge protector to ensure that it is installed correctly and that it is compatible with your home’s electrical system.