We often associate power surges with lightning storms or downed power lines. However, the average home can experience small surges throughout the day, with 80% of them being generated internally every time large appliances are turned on and off. If they happen frequently, they can cause electronic items to deteriorate and shorten their lifespans.
No matter the magnitude of these power surges, having your home equipped with whole-house surge protection is imperative. Here residential electrical repair contractor Bailey & Shipp Electric discusses the reasons why it’s worth the investment.
Tech-Savvy Households
Households today have more electronic gadgets and equipment than ever before. Certain home appliances and electrical fixtures, however, have circuit boards that are sensitive to electrical surges. Also, mobile phones, laptops and other electronic items store essential information and can benefit from surge protection.
Transient Electrical Surges
According to licensed residential electricians, most power surges are usually short and come from home appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners. They won’t cause major damage, but even small surges can degrade the performance of electronics.
Complete Protection of Your Electrical System
Whole-house surge protection doesn’t just protect your home’s appliances and electronics from harm: it also protects your home’s entire electrical system, including every outlet. A short surge coming from an appliance will be sent back through the breaker panel where it’s shunted.
A Variety of Choices
The good news is that whole-house surge protection systems are available for various voltage needs. For instance, a home with a 120-volt service can use an 80kA-rated surge protector that protects against surges of more than 10kA. This type of surge protector also works well in residential areas hampered by lightning storms every year.
For help with your home electrical needs, turn to Bailey & Shipp Electric. We also provide generator installation services. Give us a call at (410) 457-3507 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve the residents of Columbia, MD.