What Are the Benefits of Whole Home Surge Protectors?
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Answering Scottsdale’s Whole Home Surge Protector FAQs
An electrical power surge occurs when the flow of electricity is abruptly interrupted and then restarted, leading to a sudden spike in voltage. These surges can be categorized into two main types: internal and external.
Internal power surges account for about half of all surges that occur within your home, often triggered multiple times a day by the startup of heavy appliance motors. Major appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners are the primary offenders, but even everyday devices such as hair dryers and power tools can contribute to these surges.
On the other hand, external power surges typically arise from natural events, such as lightning strikes or even animals like squirrels interfering with transformers, and can also result from tree limbs making contact with power lines.
No, you should never plug a surge protector into an extension cord. Doing so creates a dangerous situation known as “daisy chaining,” which can overload the devices and compromise their functionality.
When a surge protector is connected to an extension cord, it can exceed the wattage capacity designed for both devices, rendering the surge protector ineffective. This improper setup not only increases the risk of damaging your electronics but also poses serious safety hazards, including the potential for electrical fires or electrocution.
For maximum safety and effectiveness, always connect surge protectors directly to wall outlets, and consider reaching out to Castle Electric for a whole-home surge protection solution if you need more outlets.
There is a strong chance that if your home does not have any surge protection, your devices are already experiencing small amounts of damage.
During a power surge, voltage can rise above the standard 120 volts, sometimes exceeding 169 volts, which can create arcing within devices and potentially damage essential components like circuit boards. Additionally, smaller, repeated power surges can gradually degrade your electronics without immediate visible signs, making it harder to recognize the damage.
Devices like computers and home theater systems may continue to work for a while but can experience significant performance issues as their internal components wear out from these chronic surges. If you suspect damage from power surges, it’s wise to consult with our team to assess the situation and determine the best course of action.