WHOLE HOUSE SURGE PROTECTION
One lightning strike or utility surge can destroy thousands of dollars in electronics and appliances. A whole-house surge protector at your electrical panel stops damaging voltage spikes before they reach your devices.
What Power Surges Can Destroy
Modern homes are filled with sensitive electronics that can be damaged or destroyed by voltage spikes.
Electronics
TVs, computers, gaming systems, and smart home devices are highly susceptible to surge damage. Even small surges degrade components over time.
Appliances
Refrigerators, washers, dryers, and dishwashers have electronic control boards that can be fried by power surges.
HVAC Systems
Your furnace, AC, and heat pump have sensitive electronics. Surge damage to HVAC equipment means expensive repairs or replacement.
Types of Surge Protection
Layered protection provides the best defense against all types of power surges.
Type 1 (Meter)
Installed at the utility meter. Stops the largest surges from lightning strikes before they enter your home's wiring.
Type 2 (Panel)
Installed at your main electrical panel. The most common whole-house protection. Stops surges from utility events and internal sources.
Type 3 (Point-of-Use)
Power strips and outlet surge protectors. Provides a final layer of protection for sensitive equipment like computers.
Combination
Best protection combines Type 2 at the panel with Type 3 at sensitive electronics. We recommend this layered approach.
Pair with Generator Installation
Adding a whole-house generator? Surge protection is essential to protect your home when utility power returns.
Learn About GeneratorsSurge Protection Installations
Surge Protection Pricing
A small investment that protects thousands of dollars in electronics and appliances.
- Type of surge protector
- Panel accessibility
- Warranty coverage level
- Additional point-of-use units
- Quality surge protector
- Panel installation
- System testing
- Connected equipment warranty
- Indicator light for status
- Lifetime of protection
Premium units with higher joule ratings available
Surge Protection FAQs
Don't I already have surge protectors on my power strips?
Power strip surge protectors are a last line of defense, but they can only handle small surges. A large surge from lightning or utility events can overwhelm them. Whole-house protection stops surges at the panel before they reach outlets.
Will surge protection stop a direct lightning strike?
Nothing can completely protect against a direct strike, but that's extremely rare. Surge protectors defend against the far more common indirect strikes and utility surges that cause most electrical damage.
How long does a surge protector last?
Quality whole-house surge protectors last 3-5 years or more, depending on how many surges they absorb. Most have indicator lights that show when protection has been depleted and replacement is needed.
What's a "joule rating" and how much do I need?
Joules measure how much surge energy the protector can absorb. For whole-house protection, we recommend at least 40,000 joules. Higher is better—more capacity means longer protection life.
Do surge protectors need maintenance?
No regular maintenance required. Just check the indicator light occasionally to confirm protection is active. If the light indicates depleted protection, call us for replacement.
Ready to Protect Your Home?
Schedule a free estimate on whole-house surge protection. Stop worrying about the next storm or power event.