Try to imagine your life without technology. Now, try to imagine your life with fried technology everywhere and the bill that will come from having to replace every device you need to power your life.So many of us work from home, at least to some extent, and we’re highly dependent on our technology.
Arizona frequently experiences intense monsoon lightning, and power surges as a result of these lightning strikes can permanently damage your computers and networking equipment. That’s why whole home surge protection is one of the most important investments you will ever make.
The Importance of Whole Home Surge Protection
In the modern era, many of us work from home in at least some capacity. When everything you need to work has been damaged by a surge, you may never be able to recover the data you lost or repair the equipment that was zapped. Computers, modems, and networking equipment are expensive and highly vulnerable pieces of technology. One rogue lightning strike can cook them all to a crisp in the blink of an eye.
All appliances are at risk of damage due to electrical surges. Even your washer and dryer can take a hit they can’t bounce back from. Just because a device works following a power surge doesn’t mean that it’s functioning at full capacity. It still took damage, and that damage can manifest in a reduced lifespan for an expensive piece of equipment.
Surges significantly impact the integrity of any device that utilizes electricity. You might turn on your dishwasher following a power surge and find that it’s working properly. The strain from use will quickly wear out the damaged components, and your dishwasher completely gives up after two weeks. Imagine this slowly happening to everything in your house, and consider what the bill to replace everything is going to look like. Then, consider going through that process again when the next monsoon comes around.
This is precisely the reason why you need whole home surge protection. It’s a one time investment that can potentially save you tens of thousands of dollars over time. Properly installed surge protection will keep every device in your home safe and prolong its lifespan. Eliminating the potential for damage will help your computers, modems, smart TVs, and game consoles successfully live into their obsolescence – and perhaps beyond.
External and Internal Surge Protection
Most power surges are internal power surges, meaning that the surge itself has come from within your home. Many people notice small surges when a large appliance or device kicks on. If the lights grow dim for a second when the air conditioner kicks on or the washing machine starts, this is typical of an internal surge. Many people use surge protecting power strips to help alleviate some of the damage that can be caused to vulnerable electronics when these small surges happen. Damage to a computer, a PlayStation, or a smart TV is less likely to occur during an internal surge if the devices have been plugged into the right kind of outlet.
External surges are a completely different matter. When the power surge comes from outside of the house, usually due a lightning strike or a broken external line, a normal surge protector cannot do anything to mitigate the potential damage. These kinds of surge protectors are slower to react and can only handle so many volts before they also become fried. Whole home protection from power surges of an external origin is a completely different process. These types of surge protectors have to act quickly – within nanoseconds – to prevent damage to the electronics in your home. They also have to be built to withstand huge voltages that your standard surge protection is not equipped to deal with.
The surge strength rating of your whole home surge protection should be around 150,000 amps. Most internal surge protection devices max out at around 100,000 amps in the best case scenario – most of them are much lesser. While 100,000 amps of protection may sound like a lot, it will not make a formidable opponent for lightning strike surges.
Can I Install Whole Home Surge Protection Myself?
Internal whole home surge protection installation involves the use of the home’s service panel. Anyone who is inexperienced could accidentally severely injure themselves. If the device is not properly installed, you may be lulled into a false sense of security. There’s no real way to know whether or not you’ve done the DIY job correctly until an external surge occurs, and you don’t want to find out that the device wasn’t properly installed when it’s far too late.
In some cases, improperly installed surge protectors can actually cause more damage than they help to mitigate. With every expensive thing you own on the line, it’s better to leave a job of that nature in the hands of a capable, experienced, and competent professional who can guarantee their work.
The Benefits of Choosing a Licensed Electrician
JCP Electric is licensed, bonded, and insured. We only employ certified, experienced, and licensed electricians. We strictly adhere to Southern Arizona’s municipal electrical codes, and we guarantee our work. JCP Electric can install surge protection in residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings in and around Tucscon, Oro Valley, Vail, Sahuarita, Green Valley, Marana, and Saddlebrooke.
When you choose JCP Electric, you can rest assured that your surge protection will be properly installed and your home will be safe from electrical surge damage. We offer a 12 month guarantee on all parts and labor, and every electrician who works with us possesses at least five years of experience in residential electrical service work. Don’t wait until it’s too late – you can’t afford to procrastinate with your home office and electronics on the line.
