How Do Whole Home Surge Protectors Work?

Power surges can happen to any home, and while they can last a fraction of a second, they’re enough to fry your circuit board and your plugged-in items. Because they have so many causes—such as plugging in too many appliances at once, poor wiring, and lightning strikes–it can seem impossible to avoid them completely. The good news is that there is a way to offset this sudden fluctuation in electricity: surge protectors.

There are two types of surge protection devices, but today, we’ll be discussing the whole-home surge protector. Compared to its counterpart—a power-strip surge protector—it has a wide scope, protecting all plugged-in appliances in your home.

And as you might’ve guessed, a whole-home surge protector costs significantly more. To help you decide if it’s worth investing in, we’ve put together this guide on how it works, as well as its advantages.

How does a whole home surge protector work?

When you install a whole-home surge protector, it goes on your home’s main electrical panel. Its role is to detect irregularities in the electrical current (i.e., an electrical surge), regardless of the cause, and divert that excess current into the ground using a wire. Basically, it redirects these surges, preventing them from getting to your home’s appliances and potentially causing a fire.

What are the advantages of using a whole home surge protector?

This type of surge protector is commonly seen in commercial buildings, mainly due to its cost. However, that does not mean homeowners can’t benefit from it. Here are a few cons of whole-home surge protectors:

They protect all your appliances at once

As you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’ve got multiple appliances plugged in at the same time, including laptops, gaming devices, HVAC systems, and much more. All of these items contain microprocessors that are very sensitive to changes in the electrical current.

A whole-home surge protector can react to power surges, wherever they occur in your home. They offset the damage caused by spikes in electricity, protecting your appliances while saving you money in the process.

They shield your home’s electrical system

The coverage of surge protectors goes beyond your appliances and electronics. It also covers your home’s electrical system, encompassing your wiring, circuits, and sockets. By safeguarding these crucial components against surges, you can save yourself a significant amount of money that would otherwise be spent on costly repairs and replacements.

They prevent fires

Electrical spikes aren’t merely a threat to your appliances but also raise the risk of fires. To gain peace of mind, you might want to install a whole-home surge protector capable of blocking surges as high as 40,000 amps.

Note that one of the most prevalent types of house fire is an electrical fire. This makes it imperative to take all proactive measures to reduce this risk.

Is it the ideal solution for your home?

With a whole-home surge protector in place, you can be confident that your entire home is safe from the threat of electrical spikes.

If you’re still undecided about whether to install a whole-home surge protector for your property, call the professionals at 317-535-9338 We’ll provide you with all the details you need to make an informed decision, as well as conduct a comprehensive assessment of your property’s specific needs. Call us at 317-535-9338 today to discover how we can help protect your Indiana home.