A Whole House Surge Protector Can Keep the Power Flowing at Home

By Carolyn Nichols

A TV, laptop, or lamp just flickered, and you hold your breath hoping the power will stay on. That’s a nuisance, but a power surge can also weaken, wear down, or even fry appliances, electronics, a sump pump, and other devices powered by your home’s electric system. The potential damage is why it’s so important to invest in a whole house surge protector.

What Causes a Power Surge?

Power surges are brief jolts of voltage that disrupt the steady flow of electricity in your home. More than half — 60% to 80% — of power surges originate inside the home, according to the National Electrical Manufacturers Association. These constant low-level surges gradually wear down electronics and typically come from:

• Major appliances cycling on and off
• Dimmer switches, timers, and thermostats
• Old or faulty wiring

External surges are less frequent but more powerful. Causes include:

• Lightning strikes
• Spikes in electricity demands during extreme weather
• Devices your utility uses to restore power after temporary faults

What’s a Whole House Surge Protector?

Think of whole house surge protectors as shock absorbers that smooth out sudden jolts of voltage before they blast into your house and your electronics. They come in two types:

• Type 1: Protects against surges from external sources. Installed at a point before power reaches the main breaker.
• Type 2: The most common type for homes, protects against external and internal surges. Installed in or near the breaker box.

Depending on your situation, you might want both Type 1 and Type 2, or just a Type 2. If you live in an area prone to frequent storms, having both offers extra protection.

Homes built in the 2020s may already have whole house surge protection, because the 2020 National Electrical Code began requiring installation of a surge protection device, or SPD, in new construction and renovations. However, adoption of the code varies.

If your home is older, you can tell if it has whole house surge protection by checking the main electrical panel. Look for a small box mounted inside or next to the breaker panel, or a breaker labeled “Surge” or “SPD.”

What to Consider in Installing a Whole Home Surge Protector

You’ll want to know the cost and whether the return on investment is worth it.

Pricing and Other Factors

Considering the cost of replacing major appliances and smart electronics, the investment in an SPD is money well spent. The type and features you choose will affect the price, but plan to spend $250 to $500 per SPD . Your electrician can advise you on what will work best for your needs.

Whole house surge protection installation costs depend on the complexity of the job and your electrician’s rate. Plan on one or two hours for a straightforward installation and extra expenses if panel upgrades are necessary.

Be sure your plan also includes point-of-use surge protectors to safeguard individual electronics. “These are different from simple power strips,” says Jan Grevers, president of Highland Park Electric/GenX Generator. He recommends checking the Joule rating, an indication of how much energy a surge protector can absorb before it fails. “The higher the number, the better and longer the protection,” Grevers adds. Prices vary, but a 4,000 Joules surge protector strip usually costs around $25.

Key Questions to Make an Informed Decision

• Is the device certified by Underwriters Laboratories? This indicates it meets safety and performance standards.
• What does the warranty cover? It covers the SPD itself; the connected equipment warranty covers damage to electronics if the SPD fails. Read the fine print to understand limitations. For example, most warranties require the device to be professionally installed.
• How long will it last? SPDs degrade each time they absorb a surge, so their lifespan varies greatly. Invest in devices that have indicator lights or alarms so you will know when it’s time to replace, which may be every five to seven years.
• Do I need protection if I have a generator? Yes. The transition between generator and grid power during an outage can create voltage fluctuations.
• What if I have an electric vehicle? “The good news is most EVs and chargers come with built-in surge protection,” says Kristina Zagame, senior researcher at EnergySage, a resource for clean energy solutions. “The not-so-good news is it’s often basic and may not withstand a major surge.” Replacing a damaged charger is expensive, says Ethan Heine, president and CEO of Suntrek Solar. The cost including installation can range from $1,200 to $2,500.
• How much surge damage does homeowners insurance cover? The average U.S. home contains over $15,000 worth of electrical equipment, according to NEMA. Most homeowners insurance policies won’t cover surge damage unless you can prove it was caused by lightning, and even then, deductibles apply.

No approach guarantees 100% protection from surges, but layered whole house surge protection offers a strong defense for a modest financial investment. Talk to your electrician to create a plan that’s right for your home.

Carolyn Nichols is a freelance writer focused on answering homeowners questions, making home ownership feel more manageable. She draws on years of experience uncovering and addressing the issues homeowners need to understand to make smart decisions.

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