How To Install Surge Protection

Power surges can damage your home’s electrical system and expensive electronics. Installing proper surge protection is a crucial step in safeguarding your appliances and devices from sudden voltage spikes.

In this article and the video above, This Old House electrician Scott Caron demonstrates various methods for protecting a home from damaging electrical surges.

*Cost information in this article reflects averages of prices taken from The Home Depot and Amazon.

What Are Power Surges?

Power surges are sudden, brief increases in voltage that can damage or destroy electronic devices. These spikes can originate from both external and internal sources.

External Surge Sources

• Lightning strikes
• Power grid fluctuations
• Utility company operations

Internal Surge Sources

• Faulty wiring
• Large appliances cycling on and off
• Overloaded circuits

While external surges tend to be more powerful, internal surges occur more frequently and can cause cumulative damage over time.

Types of Surge Protection

To effectively protect your home from power surges, it’s important to implement a multi-layered approach using different types of surge protection devices.

Whole-House Surge Protectors

Whole-house surge protectors are installed at the main electrical panel and provide the first line of defense against external surges. These devices monitor incoming electricity and divert excess voltage safely to the ground when a surge is detected.

Point-of-Use Surge Protectors

Point-of-use surge protectors, such as power strips with built-in surge protection, offer an additional layer of defense for individual devices or groups of electronics. They safeguard against potential risks posed by faulty appliances and internal surges.

Outlet-Level Surge Protection

Surge-protected outlets can be installed in place of standard wall outlets to provide constant protection for devices plugged directly into the wall. This ensures that electronics and appliances receive optimal safeguarding against sudden voltage spikes.

Installing Whole-House Surge Protection

Due to the complexity and potential dangers involved, installing a whole-house surge protector is a task that we strongly recommend leaving to a licensed electrician.

Understanding the process, however, can help you make informed decisions about your home’s electrical system.

Steps for Installation

1. Turn off the main power to the house at the electrical panel. Ensuring the power is off is crucial for safety.
2. Remove the panel cover to access the circuit breakers. This step exposes the internal wiring, making it easier to implement the protection device.
3. Identify an appropriate location for the surge protector, typically near the main power lines. Proper placement is key for efficiency.
4. Install the surge protector according to manufacturer instructions. Following guidelines ensures the device works correctly.
5. Connect the device to a dedicated circuit breaker. This step offers a direct line for surge management.
6. Ensure proper grounding of the surge protector. Grounding is essential for safety.
7. Replace the panel cover and restore power. Confirm that all systems are functioning correctly.

Implementing Point-of-Use Surge Protection

Point-of-use surge protectors are vital complements to whole-house protection. These devices are particularly important for protecting sensitive electronics like computers, televisions, and home theater systems.

Choosing the Right Power Strip

When selecting a surge-protected power strip, keep the following features in mind:

• Clamping voltage (lower is better)
• Joule rating (higher is better)
• Number and type of outlets
• Response time (faster is better)
• Secondary protection for phone, cable, or ethernet lines

Proper Usage of Surge-Protected Power Strips

Here are the three most important power strip usage tips:

• Avoid daisy-chaining multiple power strips, which is plugging one power strip into another power strip.
• Look for indicator lights that show the device is still providing protection. Replace any surge protection devices that fail to display their surge protection light.
• Remember to replace surge protectors every few years or after any major surge event.

Following these guidelines can help you choose and maintain the right point-of-use surge protectors for your home.

Installing Surge-Protected Outlets

Surge-protected outlets offer a sleek solution for areas where a power strip isn’t practical, such as behind a wall-mounted TV. Caron demonstrates how to replace a standard outlet with a surge-protected version to enhance protection.

Installation Process

1. Turn off power to the outlet at the circuit breaker.
2. Remove the old outlet from the electrical box.
3. Connect the wires to the new surge-protected outlet, following manufacturer instructions.
4. Secure the new outlet in the electrical box and replace the cover plate.
5. Restore power and test the outlet. Confirm all systems are functioning properly.

If you’re not comfortable working with electrical systems, it’s always best to hire a licensed electrician for this task.

Maintaining Your Surge Protection System

Once installed, surge protection devices require minimal maintenance, but you must monitor their effectiveness over time to ensure ongoing protection.

Regular Checks

• Inspect indicator lights on whole-house and point-of-use surge protectors. Lights can signal the device’s status.
• Listen for audible alarms on devices equipped with this feature. Audible alerts can draw attention to issues.
• Test outlets and power strips periodically to ensure they’re functioning correctly. Regular testing helps maintain reliability.

Replacement Guidelines

• Replace whole-house surge protectors every five to seven years or as the manufacturer recommends.
• Update point-of-use surge protectors every two to three years or after major electrical surge events.
• Replace surge-protected outlets if their indicator lights show they’re no longer providing protection.

These steps can help ensure your surge protection system remains effective.

Additional Tips for Electrical Safety

While surge protection is crucial, it’s just one aspect of maintaining a safe electrical system in your home. Implementing broader safety measures can further enhance your home’s electrical reliability.

General Electrical Safety Measures

• Avoid overloading circuits with too many high-wattage devices. Distribution is key.
• Keep electrical cords away from heat sources and high-traffic areas. Placement can prevent wear and tear.
• Schedule regular electrical inspections with a licensed electrician. Professional inspections can catch issues early.
• Use GFCI outlets in moisture-prone areas, such as kitchens and bathrooms. GFCI outlets can prevent shock hazards.

Proper safety measures can help protect your home and family from electrical hazards.

Surge Protection and Everyday Appliances

Understanding how everyday appliances affect your home’s electrical system can help tailor your surge protection strategies.

Air Conditioners and Dryers

Appliances like air conditioners and dryers often create internal surges when they cycle on and off. These surges can travel through your home’s wiring, potentially damaging other devices connected to the same circuit.

Computers and Entertainment Systems

Sensitive electronics, such as computers and entertainment systems, are particularly vulnerable to power surges. Ensuring they are connected to reliable point-of-use surge protectors can safeguard them from damage.

Kitchen Appliances

High-power kitchen appliances like refrigerators and ovens can also contribute to internal power surges. Using outlet-level surge protection in your kitchen can help manage these surges effectively.

Key Considerations for Choosing Surge Protectors

Choosing the right surge protectors involves accounting for several important factors, which we’ll review below.

Surge Protector Specifications

Understanding the specifications of surge protectors can help you choose the best protection for your devices. Look for the following:

• Clamping Voltage: This is the voltage level at which the surge protector activates to divert excess electricity. Lower clamping voltage offers better protection.
• Joule Rating: This indicates the surge protector’s energy absorption capacity. A higher joule rating means better protection.
• Response Time: This is the time it takes for the surge protector to react to a surge. A faster response time is preferable.

Brands and Warranties

Different brands offer varying levels of reliability and warranty. Researching and choosing well-regarded brands can give you peace of mind. Also, check if the surge protector has a warranty that covers any damaged devices.

Regular Maintenance and Updates for Surge Protectors

Maintaining and regularly updating your surge protection system ensures continuous protection.

Scheduled Replacements

Even the best surge protection devices lose their efficacy over time. For optimal protection, whole-house and point-of-use surge protectors must be regularly replaced.

Professional Inspections

Scheduling regular electrical inspections with professionals can help identify potential issues before they become serious problems, ensuring your surge protection system remains effective.

Staying proactive with maintenance can prevent unexpected surge-related damages.