Discovering Different Types of Home Surge Protectors
Every household relies heavily on electricity and depends on a consistent and reliable power supply for smooth day-to-day operations.
Every household relies heavily on electricity and depends on a consistent and reliable power supply for smooth day-to-day operations. However, sometimes homes can experience a power surge that can impact the routine and cause damage to the appliances and property. A power surge or transient voltage occurs due to a sudden increase in voltage in an electric circuit in a short period. It can happen due to lightning, faulty wiring, electrical overload, or power restoration after an outage.
All electrical devices and appliances in a home are susceptible to power surges. While small power surges can eventually reduce the performance of electrical equipment, a significant power surge can result in permanent damage. Therefore, the best way to overcome a power surge problem is to use a surge protector.
What is a surge protector?
A surge protector is a small electrical device that protects various electronic devices when the voltage in the electricity flow increases above the designated level. It blocks the excess voltage from entering the appliances when a power surge occurs. Different types of surge protectors are available in the market to protect the home, including:
Whole house surge protectors
The whole house, point-of-entry, or panel-mounted surge protectors are hard-wired to the main electrical panel from where the home receives the electricity supply. As the name suggests, whole-house surge protectors protect all electronics against small or large external surges. They are rated in joules, and a homeowner should buy the surge protector that covers the home requirements and meets all local codes and regulations. An electrician can configure the whole house surge protector to protect a single or all circuits in the home. An experienced professional can also recommend the best whole home surge protector for the home's needs.
Power strips are commonplace in all households, but not all offer protection from a power surge. Before buying a plug-in power strip, ensure that it is designed to handle voltage surges and can efficiently manage the electrical requirements of the device or appliance. These power strips are easy to plug into home electrical outlets and can be wall-mounted or kept on the floor. The homeowner can plug multiple electronic devices into a single strip. Some manufacturers also design surge protector power strips that can be hard-wired into the home's electrical system. Like whole house surge protectors, power strips are also rated in joules.
Transient voltage surge suppressors
An electrician can hard wire the transient voltage surge suppressor (TVSS) or surge protective device directly into the standard wall outlets and come with built-in surge protection. When a power surge happens, a transient voltage surge suppressor protects all electrical devices plugged into it. They can save space and be used in areas where it is not feasible to use surge protector power strips. Some TVSS flash or make a distinctive noise when a power surge happens.
Safeguard the property
Choosing a suitable surge protector for the home can reduce the potential of long or short-term damage that voltage surge or spike can cause to electrical devices like computers, laptops, refrigerators, or television. A local electrician can help select the best surge protector to provide the necessary peace of mind and save money in the long run.
Zimmerman Electric is here to serve your residential and commercial electrical needs throughout the Phoenix Valley metro area. Call us today if you need electrical work performed 602-497-3365.
