Whole House Surge Protectors in Mesa, AZ

Serving Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Apache Junction, and Phoenix

All households have standard voltage for electricity distribution, mostly 120 volts. However, it’s not uncommon for the voltage to increase beyond the standard due to power grid faults, lightning strikes, and other system malfunctions. When the voltage exceeds the standard and lasts for at least three nanoseconds, it’s called a power surge or transient voltage.

Most household electronics can’t handle a power surge and will suffer damage. In extreme cases, they may overheat and cause a fire. Electronic devices are fitted with a surge protector to prevent this from happening. This device has a sensor that detects when the voltage exceeds the norm. It diverts excess voltage away from electronic devices, ensuring they only receive the standard voltage they can handle.

Benefits of Whole House Surge Protectors

Many homeowners don’t like the idea of whole-house surge protectors because of the initial investment involved. They don’t appreciate that surge protectors can save money and secure their houses.

First, whole house surge protectors keep the house appliances safe. Imagine a power surge damaging the refrigerator, microwave, and air conditioner simultaneously, leading to expensive repairs and replacements. The expense may be more than the installation cost of whole-house surge protectors.

If a power surge occurs when devices such as laptops, smartphones, or tablets are charging, it can be disastrous for a homeowner. Apart from the device damage, it can lead to personal data loss, which might be hard to retrieve if not backed up properly. A whole house surge protector is the answer.

A power surge has a greater risk of causing electrical fires, which can result in injuries and destruction of property. The worst part is that most insurance companies don’t cover fires resulting from power surges. By installing whole house protectors, homeowners make their houses more secure.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing Whole House Surge Protectors

Type of surge protector

Surge protectors vary in type, efficiency, and cost. Homeowners should weigh the options and choose the model that meets their needs. The first type is the service entrance surge protector, usually installed at the main electrical panel. It safeguards the entire home from power surges. The other type is a point-of-use surge protector. It’s installed at a specific outlet and protects one or multiple appliances. Note that the former is the most expensive.

Energy absorption rate

Each surge protector has a specified amount of energy it can absorb. This energy is measured in joules and determines the efficiency of the surge protector. The higher the joule rating, the more efficient the surge protector is in keeping a home safe.

Internal vs. external surge protectors

Surge protectors can offer protection to one device or multiple devices. An internal surge protector is built into a device and only protects one device. Conversely, external surge protectors are standalone devices connected to an electrical outlet and protect all devices connected to the same circuit.

Size of the home

Surge protectors differ in rating to serve different household sizes. For instance, a large house typically has more electronics and power needs, resulting in a higher electrical load. These households are more vulnerable to a power surge and will require a surge protector with a higher rating to provide adequate protection.

NEMA rating

Placing a surge protector in unsuitable environmental conditions can make it inefficient. However, since surge protectors have different manufacturers, verifying the right place to use a surge protector can be challenging without regulation. A National Electrical Manufacturer Association (NEMA) rating helps determine the suitable enclosure to use a surge protector.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Installing a whole house surge protector is one of the best decisions a homeowner can make. Since a power surge can occur at any time, the surge protector helps to secure all the electronics connected to the power system and also prevents the outbreak of fire.

  • A surge protector provides some level of protection against power surges caused by lightning, but it’s not always efficient. A lightning power surge mostly exceeds the joules rating of a surge protector, causing the excess voltage to reach the connected electronics. The best way to keep electronics safe is to unplug them during a storm.

  • Not all power strips are surge protectors. However, besides having multiple outlets, some have built-in power surge protectors. When buying one, it’s essential to verify if it has a power surge protector to keep the electronics safe.

  • A whole-house surge protector requires replacement every three to five years. Surge protectors absorb and divert joules of energy, and over time, the components deteriorate bit by bit. When it gets to its end of life, it won’t be able to offer any protection.

  • The capacity for a whole-house surge protector can vary due to numerous factors, such as a house's size, exposure to the risk of a power surge, and the nature of the electrical system. However, the minimum whole-house surge protector capacity should be 40,000 amps. The higher the amperage capacity, the better the protection.

  • Due to the risk associated with electricity, homeowners should never attempt to install a whole house surge protector through DIY. Instead, they should hire professionals with the necessary tools and expertise to work with electricity safely.

Why Hire ACT Electric to Install Whole House Surge Protectors

Each home has unique surge protection needs. At ACT Electric, we understand this and start the installation process with a home assessment. Next, our experienced technicians integrate the surge protector safely to protect every area of the home. We deliver the highest level of service since we value our customers’ safety.