The low-cost, multi-outlet surge protectors described above may prevent damage to a few devices. However, HVAC systems, hot tubs, refrigerators, and other major appliances cannot receive power through power strips; they must be connected directly to the proper wall outlet. A whole-home surge protector protects any appliance, regardless of its power requirements.
- Prevents Expensive Damage – Protects expensive appliances such as kitchen appliances, HVAC units, computers, and entertainment centers.
- Reduces Fire Risks – Power surges can overheat, causing the risk of electrical fires. Having a whole-home surge protection gives you an added layer of protection.
- Extends Appliance Life – Small unseen power surges can cause wear and tear on electronics; having surge protection can help prevent this type of damage.
- Protects Smart Home Technology – Today, homes have smart devices that can be damaged in a power surge without protection.
- Peace of Mind – Frequent storms in Chattanooga can cause an increase in power surges. With a surge protector in place, your home can handle storms without worry.
A licensed electrician from Mr. Electric can inspect your electrical system to determine the maximum power required by your home appliances. Mr. Electric can recommend a whole-home surge protector that will protect every outlet in the home. When you are ready for the whole-home surge protector installation, the Mr. Electric technician will hard-wire the equipment to the main electrical panel. If a whole-home surge protector is not appropriate, a smaller protector can be wired to protect specific essential appliances, such as the HVAC system, or a single room, such as the home office. In this case, power strip surge protectors could help protect individual appliances and equipment.
Mr. Electric of Chattanooga installs whole-home surge protection equipment in homes and businesses throughout the southeast Tennessee and northern Georgia area, including Chattanooga, Collegedale, East Brainerd, Harrison, Hixson, Lakesite, Middle Valley, Ooltewah, Ringgold, Rossville, Signal Mountain, and Soddy Daisy. Call Mr. Electric today to schedule an appointment – we have the power to make things better!
Surge Protectors to Apply at Your Chattanooga Homes
If you are going to use power strip surge protectors, check the labels for these three different ratings:
- Clamping voltage: This is the voltage level that causes the surge protector to pass electricity to the ground wire on the outlet. The UL-approved devices have three ratings: 330 Volts, 400 Volts, and 500 Volts. If most wires can consistently handle 120 volts safely, then buy the surge protector strip with the lowest voltage rating you can afford.
- Energy absorption/dissipation: This rating explains how much electricity the surge protector can handle before it fails. A higher “joule” rating provides better protection—a surge protector with a capacity of 600 joules or higher offers good protection.
- Response time: A surge protector should respond in less than one nanosecond. The longer the response time, the longer your appliances and electronics will be affected by a power surge. It doesn’t take long to burn out sensitive microchips in a computer or HDTV.
Standard electrical outlets can handle a surge protector power strip with breakers. Look for power strips that have working indicator lights. You also might want to consider:
- Equipment Warranties
- Automatic Warning Devices
- Power Shut Down Protection
- Resettable Circuit Breakers
- GFCI Protection
Some power strip surge protectors now have USB ports, coaxial cable connectors, phone line jacks, and network ports. Power surges also affect these kinds of wires, as electricity passes through devices that may be interconnected.
For example, a cable TV box receives power from a standard outlet and connects to a coaxial cable to receive service. If there is a power surge at the power outlet connection, the excess electricity could travel through the coax cable to any other device (such as an HDTV) connected to it in another area of the house. Then, the power surge would affect that device as well.
Choose Mr. Electric of Chattanooga for Home Surge Protection
- Local Professional Electricians – Our electricians are licensed and insured and understand the electrical needs of Chattanooga, TN.
- Honest and Upfront Pricing – With Mr. Electric of Chattanooga, there are no hidden fees. You receive fair pricing before any service is started.
- Neighborly Done Right Promise® – Our professionals stand behind our work, and we will ensure the job is done right and meets your satisfaction – guaranteed.
- Flexible Scheduling – Our team will work around your schedule and offer flexible service appointments that meet your needs.
- Comprehensive Electrical Services – Whether you need surge protection or panel upgrades, our team can do it all.
