Today, homes are filled with sensitive electronics that are easily damaged by common power surges, spikes or voltage impulses. A lightning storm near a residence can deliver a high energy electrical surge that can enter a home and destroy appliances, televisions, stereo equipment, and other electrical products.
The cost of replacing electronic equipment in an average home is approximately $8,000. This figure can easily top $20,000 if the homeowner has a sophisticated entertainment system, or a home office.
Hi-Lite Electric recommends that to fully protect your investment, consider a 2-stage approach to Surge Protection.
Stage 1 – Primary Protection for Service Entrance.
Stage 2 – Secondary Protection at Point of Use.
By installing 2 stages of surge protection, your electronic equipment can be protected from most power surges, spikes and voltage impulses that are common everyday.
Do not underestimate an unchecked high voltage surge than can wipe out your investment instantly, or the smaller everyday surges that can degrade the electronic components in your home slowly over time.
Call Hi-Lite Electric today for an evaluation of your surge protection requirements.
No, surge protectors can't shield your home from lightning strikes. To protect your devices during a lightning storm, experts advise unplugging all electrical appliances. However, when used in conjunction with a lightning protection system, surge protectors can provide added security. If you have any doubts, consult a certified electrician for further guidance.
To install a surge protector, start by identifying your home's main breaker panel. Attach the surge protector to it, connect the wires, and reassemble the panel. If you lack experience in this task, it's advisable to seek assistance from a qualified professional for a safe installation.
No, they don't. Whenever a surge protector diverts a power surge, it undergoes internal wear and tear. The components responsible for safeguarding your equipment eventually degrade. The lifespan varies based on how often and how powerful the surges are. It's crucial to note that surge protectors can't defend against lightning, which is extremely potent. During a thunderstorm, it's best to unplug your connected devices for added safety.
A surge protector's joule rating measures its energy-absorbing capacity before it becomes ineffective. A higher joule number means better protection. To determine the right level of protection, consider the value of the equipment you're safeguarding. More expensive items require higher joules. Here's a breakdown:
Good protection (350-1000 Joules): Suitable for lamps, mobile devices, chargers, small appliances, and clocks.
Better protection (1000-2000 Joules): Ideal for printers, smartphones, tablets, laptops, and routers.
Best protection (2000 & Above Joules): Recommended for HDTVs, home theaters, desktop computers, sound systems, gaming consoles, DVD/Blu-Ray/Cable receivers.
Most modern surge protectors include an indicator light that signals when your devices are protected. When this light is on, your devices are shielded from power surges and spikes. If the indicator light doesn't illuminate, it's a sign that your surge protector needs replacement.
Some surge protectors offer an auto-shutdown feature, which disables your devices when the protector wears out. If you have this feature and it activates, it's time to replace the surge protector for continued protection.
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