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The UL-listed Intermatic surge protector has clear LED indicators for on and protected states. Should one of the three independent modules fail due to overload, a built-in power switch means the surge protector can be isolated, making replacement easy and safe. This device is a bit more expensive than much of the competition, but this level of protection should offer peace of mind even in lightning-storm-prone areas. For those without in-depth electrical knowledge, choosing a surge protection device (SPD) can be a confusing prospect. I tried to keep the selection criteria as straightforward as possible while still making sure there were options for every homeowner. A power surge may last only a fraction of a second, but anyone who has been on the receiving end can tell you how dramatic the results can be.
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Whole House Surge Protectors: How Effective Are They?
In some cases, electrical surges can also damage electronic devices such as computers, televisions, and other home appliances. Some are designed to shield individual items from the damage caused by power spikes, whereas others—which are the main focus of this article—offer whole-house surge protection. There are two distinct forms of the latter, making three types of SPDs in total. The Type 1 and Type 2 whole-house surge protectors we recommend come from well-regarded companies in the industry, including Eaton, Siemens, Square D, Leviton, and Intermatic. We also compared models' warranties, various certifications and ratings, and compatibility with breaker box manufacturers.
Residential Whole House Surge Protectors
Payment for power surge damage depends on what caused the surge, and what type of insurance you have. Homeowners insurance policies, particularly those with personal property coverage, generally cover damages from power surges caused by lightning strikes or excessive voltage from external events. As they are the first to go when lightning strikes, electrical devices possess microprocessors, which are very sensitive to power surges.
The Pros & Cons of Whole House Surge Protectors
Surge protectors guard against voltage spikes that harm electronics in your home, which could save you replacing or repairing costs. Checking indicator lights helps you know if a protector is still doing its job right. Any extra power gets sent along the ground wire, back into the earth where it can’t harm anything.
Electrical Grounding Work
A whole-home surge protector is an effective solution to protect all electronic devices in a home from such surges. At times, power surges can be so severe that they even disable your home’s surge protector. Type 2 whole-house surge protectors can be installed by anyone with sufficient knowledge of how the main breaker panel functions. The number of breaker spaces required and their amperage can vary.
While all devices stand to benefit from surge protection, inexpensive items such as lights and alarm clocks typically do not warrant protection. Also known as spike suppressors, surge suppressors, and surge diverters, surge protectors are devices that protect electrical appliances from voltage spikes in alternating current circuits. These spikes occur very quickly, usually lasting only microseconds — but they can go well beyond the threshold of 170 volts that causes electronic equipment to malfunction or fail.
Like the model we recommend as Best Bang for the Buck, this model has a tough NEMA 4 case that provides all-weather protection or can be fitted indoors. Because this compact SPD is installed outside the breaker box, it can be combined with any manufacturer’s load center. This high-quality Type 1 whole-house surge protector from Schneider Electric offers the ultimate in versatility.
Cost of Installation
These surge protectors are always working, and even if the home does not experience any large power surges, they will stop small surges from entering. Small surges will wear out the surge protector over time, so it is important for homeowners to have them replaced every few years. Buying one is not like buying an ordinary power strip or extension cord. Whole-home surge protection offers more safety for things with plugs in your house, like computers, ovens, refrigerators, or air conditioners. It’s worth every cent to protect your home from power surges and voltage spikes that can damage electronic appliances, computer networks, and even circuit boards all over your home.
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Leviton 51120-1 Type 2 Single Phase Surge Panel
It’s also worth checking out our useful power outage survival guide. More complex models may feature additional lights to show a fault condition, while others have audible alarms. Join us as we uncover everything you need to know about what power surges are, why they occur, and how to prevent one from happening in your home.
This is something that can be witnessed on the medium of all electrical specialist work. Depending on your location, accessibility to the breaker and/or sub-panel, personal preference, and other faculties of installation – you will witness a different process. Let’s take a look at what the whole surge protector installation looks like for a professional. This is a rough overview of the process, and differs for each individual specialist, as they perform their job in their own manner.
From easy installation to affordable pricing, we’ve taken an in-depth look at the features, benefits, and drawbacks of each product to help you make an informed decision. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our buying guide and find the best whole home surge protector for your home. Also, avoid plugging surge-sensitive electronic devices into the same power strip with laser printers, air conditioners, or other appliances with large motor loads. These produce their own low-level power surges that will affect all the devices sharing the strip. By themselves, whole-house suppressors can’t stop surges completely; up to 15 percent of excess voltage may leak by.
Most whole-house surge protectors come with a limited 10-year or lifetime warranty, plus residential damage coverage if the device fails. The National Electrical Manufacturing Association, or NEMA, enclosure standards denote where whole-house surge protectors can be installed. The highest for surge protectors is NEMA 4, which includes dust- and waterproofing, and NEMA4X, which adds protection from corrosion. Both of these level four ratings are suitable for indoor and outdoor installation.
Larger equipment might require a higher joule rating of over 2,000. A whole-home surge protector can withstand up to 4,000 joules or higher. Power strips are an alternative to secondary surge protectors that let you attach multiple individual devices. These kinds of surge protectors are great for consumer electronics like TVs but are not suitable for HVAC systems because they cannot handle high voltages and currents. In some cases, a surge protector is installed to combat lightning strikes, which come with powerful voltage fluctuation.
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