Why Whole Home Surge Protection Is Essential In Today’s Homes
The average home is full of electronics that make life easier and more convenient. Computers, smart appliances and EV chargers are all essential, and expensive, electrical devices in today’s home. But, these conveniences can also be vulnerable to sudden electrical surges. Whole home surge protection is designed to safeguard your home’s electrical system, providing a first line of defense against damaging power fluctuations. Check your homeowner’s policy, because coverage for surge damage varies.
Whole home surge protection is now part of the electrical code. National Electrical Code section 230.67, added in the 2020 edition, requires a surge protective device at or next to the service equipment of every home. The rule also applies when the service equipment is replaced, as in a panel upgrade. Montana has adopted the 2023 edition of the code, effective September 26, 2026.
Understanding Power Surges and Their Impact
Before delving into why whole home surge protection is crucial, it’s vital to understand what power surges are and how they can affect your home.
What is a Power Surge?
A power surge is an unexpected, sharp increase in voltage that significantly exceeds the standard voltage level. While it may only last a microsecond, it can potentially damage, degrade, or even destroy electronic equipment within your home. From your refrigerator to your home entertainment system, a power surge can instantly turn your prized devices into expensive paperweights.
Where Do Power Surges Come From?
A sudden spike in electricity can have sources both outside and inside the home.
External Causes
- Lightning Strikes: This is one of the most dramatic causes of power surges. When lightning strikes near a power line, it can cause a massive surge of electricity that can potentially damage electronic equipment.
- Power Grid Switching: Power companies often switch power grids to balance loads and during routine maintenance. These switches can occasionally cause power surges.
- Downed Power Lines: Severe weather, accidents, or fallen trees can sometimes cause power lines to fall, creating a power surge.
Internal Causes
- High-Power Electrical Devices: Devices that require a lot of power to operate, such as refrigerators, air conditioners, and washing machines, can cause power surges. When these devices turn on and off, they can create small surges in power that can gradually damage other electronic devices over time.
- Faulty Wiring: Old or faulty wiring can also cause power surges. If your home’s electrical system isn’t grounded correctly, it can lead to an imbalance in the power flow.
How Whole Home Surge Protection Works
Surge protection works by acting as a shield, absorbing and diverting excessive electrical energy during a power surge, thus preventing it from reaching your devices.
What Does a Whole Home Surge Protector Protect?
A whole home surge protector is installed at the main electrical panel, so it protects every circuit in the house, including hard-wired equipment that cannot plug into a power strip:
- Furnaces, boilers, heat pumps and air conditioners
- Refrigerators, freezers, washers and dryers
- Dishwashers, microwaves and other kitchen appliances
- Computers, Wi-Fi routers and home office equipment
- TVs, smart home devices and EV chargers
For the best protection, pair it with quality surge-protecting power strips for sensitive electronics. The panel device stops large surges, and the strips add a second layer at the outlet. See power strips vs. whole house surge protectors for a side-by-side comparison.
Enhance the Longevity of Your Appliances
Power surges can gradually degrade the performance and lifespan of your electronic equipment. With whole home surge protection, you ensure the longevity of your devices, saving you from regular replacements and repairs.
Point-of-use surge protection strips are less effective at protecting electronics over the long term and need to be replaced more frequently to ensure they provide lasting protection.
How to Install Whole Home Surge Protection
Whole home surge protection is installed at your home’s electrical service panel and should be installed by a licensed electrician. This ensures the surge protector is installed correctly, offering the highest level of protection.
Whole Home Surge Protection FAQ
Is whole home surge protection required?
For new homes and replaced service equipment, yes. National Electrical Code section 230.67 requires a Type 1 or Type 2 surge protective device at or next to the service equipment.
Do I still need power strips?
Yes, for sensitive electronics. A whole home surge protector stops large surges at the panel, and point-of-use strips protect against smaller surges that start inside the house.
Can I install a whole home surge protector myself?
No. The device connects inside your electrical panel and should be installed by a licensed electrician.
Invest in whole home surge protection today to protect your home, your valuables, and your peace of mind.
Let our experienced and skilled team help you safeguard your home. Contact us today to schedule a whole home surge protection installation, and step into a safer tomorrow.
Call For Whole-Home Surge Protection Upgrades in Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Bigfork, Lakeside, Polson and the Surrounding Flathead Valley
