An electrical surge can do serious damage to homes in the Lincoln and Omaha, NE areas. The repair costs associated with this issue can quickly become expensive. Insurance companies sometimes cover some of the repair needs, but homeowners usually pay much of the costs out of pocket. Surges can also lead to an increased risk of electrical fires, which cause 500 deaths and 1,400 injuries yearly, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation. Let’s explore how you can protect your home and family from such surges.
Schedule Regular Electrical Inspections
Don’t wait for something to go wrong before scheduling an inspection. The best way to avoid surges and other electrical issues is to be proactive. The industry recommendation is to schedule an inspection every three to five years. If you live in an older home, every three years, or even more frequently, is ideal. This is particularly true if you’ve yet to make major electrical improvements, such as a new breaker box.
Bring Your Electrical System Up to Code
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) maintains the National Electrical Code (NEC). The NEC serves as the basis for local electrical codes throughout the U.S. There’s no law that requires you to update your home to code. That said, it’s highly recommended. The use of electricity in residences is an evolving science. The techniques and equipment used today allow for better safety and energy efficiency.
Protect Your Home With Multi-Layered Surge Protection
There are three core types of surge protection recommended for homes. This includes type 1, type 2, and type 3. The best approach is not to use just one or another, but to employ them all. This method provides you with layered protection and an ideal defense against electrical surges.
Install Type 1 Whole-Home Surge Protection
Builders rarely include type 1 surge protection in new homes unless you specifically request it. Even if you have a newly built home, it’s a good idea to schedule an inspection. Our electricians can then install a type 1 surge protection device (T1 SPD) if needed. A T1 SPD primarily protects the line side of an electrical system. That includes the meter, inverter, main panel, and any subpanels. In doing so, it also protects the load side, which includes your wiring, outlets, devices, and so forth.
T1 SPDs are also called high-level or primary SPDs. They provide the best protection against direct lightning strikes. A T1 SPD will also help you avoid most electrical fires and catastrophic damage from external sources. It functions by monitoring the voltage coming into the system. When the voltage exceeds the clamping threshold of the SPD, a metal oxide varistor (MOV) or similar component activates. The response time is several nanoseconds or less. Once activated, the MOV diverts the power from the system into the ground wire. The electricity then discharges without causing damage.
Lightning strikes aren’t the only concern on the line side of your electrical system. You may also get anomalous power directly from the grid. Consider a scenario in which a transformer blows and causes a surge in the line running to your home. It surprises many homeowners to learn that their electric company is only responsible for the meter and main line. They are not responsible for any other damage.
Install Type 2 Whole-Home Surge Protection
The NEC requires surge protection in homes built in 2020 and beyond. Builders typically comply with this code by installing a T2 SPD. If you already have a T2 SPD, our electrician can add a T1. If you’re unsure, schedule an inspection. If needed, we can install both a T1 and a T2.
A T2 SPD protects the load side of your electrical system. Our electricians install these devices between the electrical panel and the rest of a home’s electrical system. This provides you with additional protection from lightning strikes and anomalous grid power. It also protects your home from surges that originate from within. Many homeowners are unaware that these internal power surges can wreak havoc.
Consider an air conditioner condenser pump that hard starts. That can create a surge that reaches your electrical panel. Many people believe this is the purpose of a circuit breaker, but that’s not the case. Circuit breakers protect against overloading and short circuits, but not surges. A T2 SPD will detect that surge and redirect it to the ground wire. Without that protection, the surge can damage not only the electrical panel but also the wires beyond it, electrical outlets, and connected devices.
Use Appropriate Type 3 Surge Protection
T3 SPDs provide local protection for devices, and they’re recommended for all valuable equipment. A prevalent example of a T3 SPD is a surge protector power strip. You likely already use one for your home theater and computer equipment. You typically don’t need an electrician for T3 SPDs. An exception is to have outlets with integrated T3 protection installed. This way, any device you plug in has protection. These outlets will often have Ethernet and USB ports, as well as other similar features.
A T3 SPD will also protect your sensitive devices from issues that T2 SPDs cannot, such as line noise and low-level surges. For maximum protection, ensure that you use T3 SPDs appropriately. Avoid overloading a circuit. Just because a surge protector has eight plugs doesn’t mean the circuit supports eight more devices. You also must account for lighting, switches, and so forth. Have additional outlets and circuits added to your home. Never daisy chain power strips. Avoid the use of extension cords. Test your T3 SPDs regularly. Replace them as needed, at least every five years.
For major appliances, we recommend having us install a surge suppressor rather than a surge protector. A surge suppressor regulates the power to the appliance and ensures that it receives constant and consistent power. This avoids an abrupt shut-off, which can cause damage to an appliance.
Schedule Regular Maintenance of Major Appliances
While many homeowners worry about lightning, internal power surges are a much more common cause of damage to American homes. These surges generally originate from powerful motors. Earlier, we mentioned the condenser pumps that are integral to air conditioners and heat pumps. This is another reason you should have your HVAC system serviced seasonally. Standby generators are a common cause of power surges as well. Refrigerators are another frequent culprit. Many homeowners don’t have their refrigerators serviced unless something goes wrong. You should also call an electrician if you have odd electric behavior occurring with your water heater, dishwasher, garbage disposal, washer, or dryer.
Installing Whole-Home Surge Protection
Since 1996, John Henry's Plumbing, Heating, Air, and Electrical has served Lincoln, Omaha, and the surrounding areas as a residential and commercial electrical contractor. Our electricians install all manner of whole-home surge protection and can provide the professional guidance you need. We perform electrical inspections, upgrade electrical panels, and specialize in wiring, generators, EV charging stations, and indoor and outdoor lighting.
Our plumbers perform remodels, sewer and septic plumbing, including excavation, drain cleaning, and hydrojetting. We specialize in tank and tankless water heaters, water filtration, water softening, and sump pumps. Our HVAC team cleans ducts and replaces air filters.
They work with furnaces, boilers, air conditioners, air-source and geothermal heat pumps, ductless mini-splits, and UV air cleaners. You can also count on our electricians, plumbers, and technicians for 24/7 emergency repair services. Contact John Henry's Plumbing, Heating, Air, and Electrical today to learn more or to book an appointment.
