Protecting Your Home Against Electrical Surges: A Guide for Homeowners
Electrical surges can be a significant threat to your home's electronics and infrastructure. While utilities work to maintain stable electrical currents, surges can still occur due to various reasons such as lightning strikes. In this article, we will explore the different ways you can protect your home from these damaging electrical events.
Understanding Electrical Surges
Electrical surges happen when a sudden increase in voltage occurs in the electrical supply. While the utility is usually very cautious, surges can still happen due to various factors like lightning strikes or issues with the electrical grid. Lightning, in particular, can cause significant voltage spikes, damaging your home's electronics and appliances.
Protecting Against Lightning
While lightning is the primary cause of voltage spikes, it's important to note that protecting against lightning is a challenging task. The best defense is a whole-house surge protector, which is now required by the National Electrical Code (NEC) to be installed in the main panel. These protectors can help safeguard your home's wiring and reduce the risk of damage from voltage surges caused by lightning strikes.
Installing Surge Protectors
In addition to whole-house surge protectors, it's essential to install surge protectors for each individual device. A Transient Voltage Surge Suppressor (TVSS) is a common type of surge protector that can be installed at the electrical panel. These devices are designed to divert any excess voltage away from your appliances, ensuring they remain protected.
TVSS devices are often installed by reputable manufacturers like Schneider and Square D. These devices contain Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs), which help to reduce incoming surges. In the event of a surge, these MOVs either reduce the surge or destroy themselves to prevent damage to devices downstream. This ensures that even if a lightning strike affects your neighborhood's power lines, your home will remain largely protected.
Code Compliance and Maintenance
To ensure your home is fully protected against electrical surges, it's crucial to check that your wiring is up to code. Regular maintenance and inspections of your home's electrical system can help identify potential issues before they become major problems. Make sure to consult a licensed electrician to ensure that all components, including surge protectors, are correctly installed and functioning properly.
Conclusion
While it's impossible to completely eliminate the risk of electrical surges, there are many steps you can take to minimize the potential damage. By installing whole-house surge protectors and surge protectors for individual devices, you can provide a comprehensive layer of protection for your home. Remember, the key is to stay informed and proactive about the health and safety of your home's electrical system.
Contact a professional electrician to evaluate your home's electrical infrastructure and ensure it is prepared for any electrical surge. Stay safe and protected against potential hazards!