You may be wondering about the pros and cons of whole house surge protectors. This article will discuss their cost, life expectancy, and installation by a licensed electrician. The pros of whole house surge protectors far outweigh any cons. Before purchasing one, you should research several models. If you aren’t sure whether a whole house surge protector is suitable for you, read on for more information.
Cost of whole house surge protectors
Whole house surge protectors are an excellent way to protect electronics throughout the home. These devices look like gray boxes mounted on the wall by the electrical panel. They sense fluctuations in voltage and divert them into the ground, protecting your home electronics from damaging spikes. Whole house surge protectors Philadelphia, PA, usually require the services of a licensed electrician to install. Here are a few of the benefits you can expect from these devices.
Whole house surge protectors are generally affordable. The average price of such surge protectors ranges from around $100 to $300. Installation can be as little as $175. The surge protectors protect all of your plug-in appliances, but they can’t prevent everything. In addition, about 15 percent of extra voltage gets past a whole house surge protector, so you may want to buy additional plug-in surge protectors to protect your electronics.
An excellent whole house surge protector will have a two to three-year warranty. A warranty will cover any defects in materials and construction, but the surge components themselves won’t last for that long. Some surge protectors have lifetime warranties, but this guarantee is rarely worthwhile. In addition, the warranty is not transferable and may be expired by the manufacturer. If you live in an area that regularly experiences power surges, you might have to replace it more frequently than you’d like.
Life expectancy
The best whole house surge protectors can last for about five years, but their lifespan varies based on power issues. This is why it’s essential to read up on the specifics of the product before you make your purchase. A lightning strike, for example, could fry a cheaper model. But even if it doesn’t, a surge protector can be damaged by multiple minor disruptions over the years, including several pulsations. To help you avoid this, make sure to buy one with indicator light.
Power surges occur when electricity stops and starts flowing through an electrical system. Overloaded appliances usually cause this. Ignoring them can cause a degraded performance in your appliances and electronic equipment and can lead to frequent replacements. A whole-house surge protector can minimize this damage and keep your electronic equipment working well for many years. But it must be remembered that a whole house surge protector cannot protect you from every possible situation.
A whole house surge protector is not a good choice for every home, but it is an excellent idea if you have many appliances. This type of surge protector protects every outlet in your house. Unfortunately, even the most expensive electronics are susceptible to minor surges. So, the life expectancy of a whole house surge protector will depend on how many you use it. But if you do install it yourself, you may risk invalidating your insurance coverage or breaking the law.
Installation by a licensed electrician
When it comes to protecting your home from power surges, whole house surge protectors are the way to go. Installed by a licensed electrician, they constantly monitor incoming utility power and divert any dangerous voltage to the ground. These devices are also essential for the safety of your home’s safety equipment, such as carbon monoxide detectors and hardwired smoke alarms. However, you may be unsure of how to install these devices.
A whole house surge protector protects a home’s major electrical appliances and electronics from sudden power spikes. The device is hardwired into the service panel and is expected to reduce the impact of a 40,000-amp surge. However, it cannot prevent 15% of the total surge current, so it’s best to hire a licensed electrician to do the job. A low-cost surge protector can last as long as ten years but will need replacement after only one significant lightning storm. Again, an electrician is recommended for this task, as most building codes require it.
The main circuit breaker should be shut off during a lightning storm. A surge protector cannot protect against direct lightning strikes, but it can block power spikes resulting from a power shortage or a downed power line. Therefore, it’s essential to know the dangers of lightning strikes before installing a whole house surge protector. While it’s easy to install a whole house surge protector yourself, it’s best to have a licensed electrician install it to ensure the safety of your home and the safety of your electronics.
