The three Ps of surge protection

No matter where you live, your home will experience power surges, and surprisingly, they are a common occurrence. Power surges can damage valuable electronics like TVs and computers, along with smaller, more sensitive devices like smartphones and tablets. To protect the devices you care about most, investing in surge protection is vital.
 

Protection is important

Surge protectors come in handy during summer storms and help shield your devices from sudden spikes in power. A typical plug-in surge protector detects and diverts excess voltage to the ground wire before a surge can harm your electronics. They often look like power strips and offer outlets for multiple devices. For broader protection, consider a whole home surge protector, which safeguards your home's entire electrical system at the main panel—protecting everything from kitchen appliances to HVAC systems.

Power events are a frequent occurrence

Many people naturally think of lightning strikes when naming something that causes a power surge. However, the most common electrical surges are caused by sudden increases in power when large appliances are turned on. The most typical culprits are refrigerators and air conditioners, but that doesn’t mean smaller devices like hairdryers and power tools can’t do as much harm over time. Low-level surges won’t blow fuses or trip circuit breakers, but they can gradually degrade internal circuitry until your electronics stop working.

Purchase the right surge protection

There are many options for surge protectors. Three important factors to consider when shopping are:
• The number of outlets
• Joule rating
• Clamping voltage

The joule rating is the amount of energy that can be absorbed, and the clamping voltage is the amount of voltage that redirects excess electricity.

The options are endless, with a variety of features from fireproof casings to USB chargers, wide-spaced outlets, and energy-saving modes. And if you're looking for the most comprehensive defense, a whole home surge protector offers long-term value and peace of mind by stopping surges at the source.