A Single Surge Can Destroy Your Fridge, TV, and More. Are You Protected?
Picture this: a lightning storm rolls through Lynnwood, and a sudden power surge fries your refrigerator, TV, and home office computer in seconds. Replacing them could cost thousands. What if there were a way to shield your home from these damaging jolts of electricity?
That’s where a whole-home surge protector comes in. At McCarthy Electric and Technologies, we help homeowners protect their most significant investments—appliances, HVAC systems, and smart devices—by installing surge protection directly at the electrical panel.
But what exactly is a whole-home surge protector, and do you really need one? Let’s break it down.
What Causes Power Surges?
A power surge is a sudden spike in voltage traveling through your home’s wiring. These spikes last only milliseconds, but the damage they cause can be permanent.
Common causes include:
- Lightning strikes: Even a strike miles away can send excess voltage surging into your home.
- Utility grid switching: When the power company reroutes electricity or restores service after an outage, it can cause surges.
- Large appliances, such as refrigerators, AC units, and washers, cycling on and off, can send mini-surges through your wiring.
- Storms and outages: Downed power lines and storm damage can trigger unpredictable spikes.
Surges don’t just burn out electronics. They can silently wear down circuit boards in your HVAC, washer, or computer, leading to expensive failures over time.
Whole-Home vs. Plug-In Surge Protectors
You’re probably familiar with the plug-in surge strips at big-box stores. They’re better than nothing, but they only protect the devices plugged into them.
Here’s the difference:
- Plug-in surge protectors:
- Cover only one outlet.
- Limited lifespan (they wear out after a single significant surge).
- Easy DIY solution, but not comprehensive.
- Cover only one outlet.
- Whole-home surge protectors:
- Installed at your main electrical panel by a licensed electrician.
- Protect your entire home—panel, outlets, and appliances.
- Last longer and can often be reset or replaced after a surge event.
- Installed at your main electrical panel by a licensed electrician.
Think of plug-in protectors as umbrellas. They keep you somewhat dry, but the elements still reach you. A whole-home protector is the roof over your head. It keeps everything safe and secure, providing comprehensive protection that gives you peace of mind.
What a Whole-Home Surge Protector Does
A whole-home surge protector acts as a gatekeeper at your electrical panel, protecting your entire home from electrical surges. When excess voltage attempts to enter your home, the device safely diverts it to the ground before it reaches your outlets.
It protects critical systems and appliances, including:
- HVAC systems (furnace, air conditioning, and heat pumps)
- Major appliances (refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers)
- Home office and smart tech (computers, TVs, routers, security systems)
- Sensitive electronics (gaming consoles, tablets, and chargers)
With more smart devices in homes than ever before, surge protection is no longer optional. A single surge can simultaneously wipe out multiple devices.
Add Protection Today—Ask Us to Include It in Your Next Service Visit
Technology fills your home and is worth protecting. Don’t leave it to chance. Whether you’re upgrading your electrical panel, adding a backup generator, or scheduling troubleshooting service, McCarthy Electric can seamlessly add surge protection as part of the project. Our experienced electricians will ensure a professional and code-compliant installation, giving you peace of mind.
Protect your investment before the next storm hits. Request your free estimate today.
FAQs
How long does a whole-home surge protector last?
Most last 5–10 years, depending on how many surges they absorb. McCarthy Electric installs high-quality units and inspects them during service visits.
Do I still need power strip protectors if I have a whole-home surge protector?
Yes. Whole-home units handle large surges, but power strips provide an additional layer of local protection for sensitive electronics.
Can I install a surge protector myself?
Remember, whole-home surge protectors must be wired directly into your electrical panel. Do not attempt this as a DIY job. A licensed electrician wires the system to code and ensures it functions properly, giving you peace of mind that your home is truly protected.
A single surge can damage or destroy thousands of dollars’ worth of appliances and electronics. Installing a whole-home surge protector is one of the most cost-effective ways to protect your home’s electrical systems.
When you choose McCarthy Electric, you’re working with licensed, Tesla-certified electricians who guarantee code-compliant, professional installation. Our team has the expertise and experience to protect your home from damaging power surges, giving you the confidence that your home is in safe hands.
Call us today today or request your free estimate online to add surge protection to your next service. Don’t wait for the next storm to hit. Protect your home now.