Power spikes, be they from a distant thunder storm hitting near a utility line, or because of mini-surges in your own home, are never fun. Not only can they fry your electronic appliances, such as a refrigerator, television or HVAC system, but they can also damage your entire electrical system, requiring extensive and expensive repairs.
Surge protection is the solution to the damage caused by a power spike, but few homeowners invest in one that will provide total protection, opting instead for the much less effective power strips, which most of us purchase so we can plug in multiple electronic devices and appliances.
So what should you look for in a surge protector? Read on for information that could save your electrical system and your home’s expensive electronic appliances in a power surge.
The Right Surge Protection
As mentioned above, a power strip will not be effective in preventing serious damage to electronics. Most of those that are labeled as power strips and surge protectors are a bit better than nothing, but you should still unplug your electronics in a storm.
Generally, the bigger the surge protector, the better the protection. Surge protectors are rated according to capacity to absorb electrical surges in a measurement called Joules. Look for a surge protector with a capacity of at least 600 Joules. Devices with lower ratings may not provide sufficient protection against power spikes.
Your best bet is a whole-house surge protector wired into the main electrical panel. This protector will reduce the amount of current flowing into your home whenever there’s a power spike in the main line, as well as any surges that might occur inside your home.
21st Century Surge Protection
Many new homes are being offered with built-in surge protection, as electronic appliances become more sophisticated, with their own circuit boards for LED lighting. The fact is, we have more invested in technology in our homes than ever before; whole-house surge protectors are the best way to protect this investment.
For more on choosing a surge protector, contact Ace Hardware Home Services. We serve Dayton and the surrounding area.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
