Do I Need Surge Protection In My Home?

June 07, 2024

In this day and age, technology practically rules everything. How did we ever find our way through the city without GPS? How on earth could we find the best electrician in Atlanta without Yelp? New inventions are being made daily to improve our way of life and it’s sometimes hard to weave out which electronics we actually need, but there are definitely a few we can’t live without. Therefore, it is important to protect our little investments with devices like surge protectors. Why might you need a surge protector?

First, let’s define the definition and dangers of a power surge.

A power surge/spike is a sudden increase in the amount of electric pressure or voltage consumption. Volts are responsible for supplying power to your home and office with the U.S. standard set at 120 volts. Anything more constitutes a power surge. It typically lasts only a few seconds and sometimes goes unnoticed. However, the end result may often cause damage to your electronics and appliances. Think of it this way, when you plug your laptop charger into an outlet, you’re relying on it to supply the power you need to “charge” your battery. You need the right amount of electrical output in order to accomplish your quest. If you don’t receive enough power, your laptop will not recharge. If you receive too much power from the outlet, it could fry the power supply sending a “shock” to your laptop. Even if the damage is not immediate or easily noticeable, surges may wear down your electronics over time.

Have you ever witnessed fluttering of the lights during a thunderstorm/lightning? Chances are, you experienced a power surge. Contrary to what most believe, this is not the primary source of surges. They most often occur from high-energy consuming appliances such as microwave ovens, refrigerators, air conditioners, etc.

The best way to keep your devices safe from Power Surges and outages is by way of a surge protector. Surge protectors provide security and guards against both indoor and outdoor causes of surges. They are able to do so by acting as a conductor, directing excess energy back into your grounding wire. If you have poor ground wiring, then it’s imperative to contact a professional electrician to assist installing new wire, as your home may be an easy target for power surges.

Not all Surge Protection devices are created equal. Some will market themselves as surge protectors when they are only providing additional outlets for your electronics, without the added protection. Our Electricians can install a professional protective device and ensure proper functioning of your grounding wire. We are offering 10% off the installation of surge protectors for the month of October, just in time for your holiday lights and decorations!