It happens in the blink of an eye — a sudden burst of electrical voltage zips through your electrical system.
The damage may range from flickering lights to instantly fried internal electronics and appliances to a full-blown house fire.
Is a whole-home surge protector worth the investment?
Here, the professionals at PDX Electric outline the pros, cons, and costs of a whole-home surge protector to help you make an informed decision for your home.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Whole-Home Surge Protector?
- Is a Whole-Home Surge Protector Worth It?
- 3 Advantages of Installing a Whole-Home Surge Protector
- 2 Disadvantages of Installing a Whole-Home Surge Protector
- Commonly Asked Questions About Whole-Home Surge Protectors
- Protect Your Investment With a Whole Home Surge Protector From PDX Electric: Portland’s Trusted Electricians Since 2011
What Is a Whole-Home Surge Protector?
A whole-home surge protector is a device that connects to your home’s electrical panel.
It acts as a filter, allowing safe electrical current into your home’s electrical system while blocking dangerously high current or voltage. When it senses an electrical surge, the whole-home surge protector immediately diverts the excess current/voltage into the ground via a ground wire.
Is a Whole-Home Surge Protector Worth It?
In many cases, yes — especially if you:
- Live in an area where storms or grid issues cause frequent electrical surges
- Want to protect your home’s wiring and system
- Own expensive electronics or appliances, smart-home gear, an HVAC system, and electric vehicle charger, etc.
On the flip side, a whole-home surge protector has an upfront cost and doesn’t ensure protection from every surge. Weigh the benefits vs. the cost for your specific situation and home.
Whether you’re in the market for a whole-home surge protector or another electrical project, PDX Electric can get the job done right.
Family-owned and operated since 2011, PDX Electric provides a range of residential and commercial electrical services in Portland and the surrounding areas. Contact us today for your free estimate.
3 Advantages of Installing a Whole-Home Surge Protector
#1: It Protects Your Electrical Systems
A whole-home surge protector stops electrical surges from entering your home and protects your home’s electrical system’s:
- Wiring
- Sockets
- Circuits
If your home is unprotected and experiences a major power surge, there’s a strong possibility you’ll need to replace damaged electrical wiring — a cost that averages around $7,000.
#2: It Protects Your Appliances
If you’re like many homeowners, you’ve invested a considerable amount of money in your home’s appliances, including:
- Televisions
- Computers
- Gaming equipment
- Refrigerators
- Humidifiers
- HVAC systems
- Smartphones
- Washer and dryer
- LED strips and other lighting
A whole-home surge protector reacts in less than a nanosecond, turning away excess voltage or current in a power surge and preventing it from entering your home and destroying your electronics.
#3: It Gives You Peace of Mind
If your home experiences a power surge, you can find yourself with thousands of dollars in destroyed electronics and expensive damage to your home’s electrical system — which may or may not be covered by your homeowner’s insurance.
By installing a whole-home surge protector, you’ll eliminate the worry this expensive scenario can present and have the confidence that both your home — and your wallet — are safe and sound.
PDX Electric is Portland’s choice for the installation of whole-home surge protectors and more. Reach out to our experienced team today for a free estimate on your electrical project.
2 Disadvantages of Installing a Whole-Home Surge Protector
#1: It Won’t Stop Every Surge
Whole-house surge protectors are designed to allow electrical surges that are under a specified voltage. Each protector comes with a specified voltage protection rating (VPR) that lets you know the maximum voltage it will allow through your home’s electrical system.
A protector with a high VPR allows small surges that can damage your electrical appliances over time. This is why it’s best to install a whole-home surge protector with a low VPR (under 600V).
You may also want to consider layering your home’s surge protection with an added level of protection by installing point-of-use surge protectors on your electrical appliances and/or built-in surge protector outlets.
#2: It’s an Investment
While installing a whole-home surge protector is a one-time investment, it can be a pricey one, depending on:
- The type and brand of your surge protector
- Your home’s wiring and electrical setup
- Installation costs
Commonly Asked Questions About Whole-Home Surge Protectors
How Much Does It Cost for An Electrician To Install a Whole-House Surge Protector?
In general, the installation cost for a whole-house surge protector is between $300-$800.
The whole-home surge protector itself can cost anywhere from $50-$500. Labor fees typically add $100–$300 or more, depending on the:
- Type of protector
- Complexity of the job
- Specific needs of your home’s electrical system
Will a Whole-House Surge Protector Protect Against Lightning?
Ideally, yes — but a whole-home surge protector isn’t foolproof against a direct lightning strike.
These devices work by diverting large lightning-induced surges from traveling through power lines to the ground or nearby strikes, but aren’t set up to handle direct strikes.
To ensure the best protection for your home, combine a whole-home surge protector with point-of-use surge protectors for sensitive electronics.
What Should I Consider When Choosing a Whole-Home Surge Protector?
When you’re comparing whole-home surge protectors, consider these key features:
- Voltage Protection Rating (VPR): The lower, the better.
- Amperage/surge rating (kA or number of amps it can divert): Higher is better.
- Type 1 vs. Type 2 protector: Type 1 is installed at the service entrance and offers the best protection. Type 2 is at the panel. For many homes, Type 2 is commonly installed at the main electrical panel as a second line of defense.
- Indicator/monitoring: Some protectors include LEDs or alarms to alert homeowners when the device has been compromised and needs to be replaced.
- Brand reputation and UL rating/certification: Research brands and their certifications.
- Compatibility with your home’s electrical panel and wiring: Be sure the protector fits your wiring type, panel voltage (120/240 V), and phase (single vs. three).
- Installation costs and labor: Be sure to include any potential upgrades needed for the panel or grounding.
Protect Your Investment With a Whole Home Surge Protector From PDX Electric: Portland’s Trusted Electricians Since 2011
Are you ready to take the next step by protecting your home and appliances? PDX Electric is here to help.
As Portland’s trusted electrician, we understand the importance of maintaining your home’s electrical systems and focus on maintaining your safety and following current electrical codes.
Our electricians are:
- Insured
- Licensed
- Experienced
- Professional
We believe in transparent communication and keep you informed during your home electrical project from start to finish.
Call or complete an online request for a free estimate for your home electrical project today!
