Is your sensitive electronic equipment protected from the potentially devastating effects of a power surge brought on by winter weather? Seventy percent of U.S. power outages are attributable to severe weather, with winter months producing a host of storms that can result in outages and subsequent surges. Power surges are now more troublesome than ever, as homeowners now own a much wider array of this sophisticated and expensive electronic equipment.
How does a winter power surge happen?
- Sudden spikes and drops in power from use and repairs.
- Arcing from damaged power lines.
- Electrical repairs to power lines and poles were downed by ice and falling trees, causing a power surge into the grid.
- Strong winds from winter storms cause wires to come into contact with one another.
- Rolling blackouts due to increases in heat consumption.
- Trees branches or animals conduct energy between live wires.
Surge Suppressor Safety
A surge protector offers your sensitive electronics protection in the event of a power surge or spike. Those looking for additional support may want to consider an uninterruptable power supply (UPS) as well, which offers surge protection plus the added benefit of a battery backup, allowing for the safe shutdown of equipment and prevention of data loss in the event of an outage.
Types of Surge Protectors
Multiple layers of surge protection coverage are required for complete protection. Even whole-house surge protectors cannot handle 100 percent of surges. While all three levels are recommended, the combination of Type 2 and 3 devices will provide an adequate safeguard, however.
- Type 1:
Whole house protection between street power lines and your home.
- Type 2:
Whole house protection between the meter and breaker box.
- Type 3:
Point-of-use protection at wall outlets in your home.
Only as Good as Your Grounding
Without a properly grounded home and outlets, even the best surge protector will fail to protect your home. Why? Surge protectors shed all that excess voltage through the ground. Have your home inspected for grounding issues prior to installation to ensure effective surge protection and prevent the need for replacing expensive electronics due to failure.
A Sobering Look at the Numbers
Adding surge protection to your home costs very little in comparison to the replacement cost of your electronics. Protection at outlets runs as little as $10, while whole house protection costs a few hundred. Sound like a lot? The cost of replacing a single large home appliance such as a washer, dryer, stove, or hot water heater will likely cost you double the investment in a surge protector. Start adding in iPhones, tablets, e-readers, laptops, or other devices in your home that could be destroyed by a surge while charging and the numbers are nauseating. This is why the average insurance claim for power surge and lighting-related damage is over $4,000, not to mention the inconvenience of living without those electronics until replacements are procured, making the costs of installing a surge protector a drop in the bucket.
Can you afford to live without surge protection? Trust in Mr. Electric® to keep your electronic essentials from getting zapped. Our professionals have the information you need to help you select the best surge protection for your home or business.
