Florida’s frequent thunderstorms and lightning make electrical surges a concern for homeowners throughout the state. In Jupiter and surrounding Palm Beach County communities, summer storms can bring lightning, power interruptions, and fluctuations that may affect sensitive electronics and electrical equipment. A whole-home surge protector is designed to help protect your home’s electrical system and connected equipment from certain voltage surges.
It’s not a guarantee that electrical equipment will never be damaged, but it can provide an important additional layer of protection.
What Is a Power Surge?
A power surge is a temporary increase in electrical voltage.
Lightning is one potential source, although surges can also occur when electrical equipment switches on and off or when utility systems experience disturbances.
Even relatively brief voltage spikes can damage sensitive electronics. Modern homes contain electronics throughout the house, including televisions, computers, appliances, smart-home equipment, HVAC controls, security systems, and other devices.
How Does Whole-Home Surge Protection Work?
A whole-home surge protective device is installed as part of the home’s electrical system, typically at or near the main electrical panel.
When the device detects a voltage surge beyond the appropriate level, it redirects excess energy away from the home’s electrical circuits.
This happens extremely quickly, helping reduce the amount of excess voltage that reaches connected equipment.
Whole-home protection differs from simply plugging individual electronics into inexpensive power strips because it is installed directly into the home’s electrical system.
Why Is Surge Protection Especially Relevant in Jupiter?
Florida experiences frequent thunderstorms and lightning, making surge protection particularly relevant for local homeowners.
A storm doesn’t have to strike your house directly to create electrical problems. Nearby lightning or disturbances associated with the electrical grid can produce voltage changes that affect homes.
Coastal homes also have another consideration: salt and humidity can contribute to deterioration of outdoor electrical equipment and connections. Keeping the electrical system in good condition and adding appropriate surge protection can help reduce some of the risks associated with Florida’s environment.
What Does a Whole-Home Surge Protector Protect?
A whole-home surge protective device can help protect equipment connected to the home’s electrical system, including:
- Major appliances
- HVAC equipment
- Televisions
- Computers
- Home networking equipment
- Smart-home devices
- Security systems
- Other sensitive electronics
Protection isn’t necessarily absolute. A sufficiently severe event can overwhelm protective equipment, and devices connected through communications or other wiring may have additional pathways through which a surge can enter.
Is Whole-Home Surge Protection Required?
The applicable electrical requirements depend on the type and scope of electrical work being performed and the code requirements in effect for the installation.
The National Electrical Code includes surge protection requirements for new and replaced dwelling services, including requirements under NEC Section 230.67. A licensed electrician can explain how those requirements apply to a particular project.
When Should You Consider Surge Protection?
Surge protection can be particularly worth discussing if you’re:
- Replacing or upgrading your electrical panel
- Building a new home
- Replacing your electrical service
- Installing expensive electronics or equipment
- Concerned about lightning and storm-related surges
- Experiencing repeated electrical disturbances
It’s also worth discussing as part of an overall electrical safety evaluation.
Protect Your Jupiter Home From Electrical Surges
You can’t control when lightning strikes or when the utility experiences a disturbance, but you can take steps to reduce the potential impact on your home’s electrical system.
Thomas Edison Electric installs whole-home surge protection throughout Jupiter, Palm Beach County, and the Treasure Coast. Contact us to learn whether surge protection is appropriate for your home.