How surge protection works
Voltage surges can come from storms, utility switching or large motors cycling on and off. A whole-home surge protective device (SPD) installed at your panel diverts excess voltage before it travels through your wiring to appliances, HVAC equipment and electronics.
Whole-home vs. plug-in strips
Plug-in surge strips protect what’s plugged into them. A panel-mounted SPD provides a first line of defense for the whole house, and the two work well together for sensitive electronics.
Good candidates
- Homes with HVAC systems, heat pumps or expensive electronics
- Homes adding an EV charger or other major equipment
- Anyone getting a panel upgrade, when it is easiest to add an SPD
- Homes in areas where storms often cause power fluctuations
No surge device can protect against every event, such as a direct lightning strike, but a properly installed SPD helps reduce risk from common surges.
Frequently asked questions
Where is a whole-home surge protector installed?
At the electrical panel, connected to the service. It’s a quick add-on to many installations, and a panel upgrade is a convenient time to include one.
Do I still need surge strips?
They’re still useful for sensitive electronics. A panel-mounted SPD and point-of-use strips work together.