Do You Need Whole-Home Surge Protection in New Jersey?

Modern New Jersey homes contain thousands of dollars' worth of electronics and electrical equipment.

Televisions, computers, appliances, HVAC systems, smart-home devices, security equipment, internet equipment, and other electronics all depend on a stable electrical supply.

A sudden power surge can damage some of those devices in an instant.

Whole-home surge protection is designed to provide an additional layer of protection against those unexpected voltage events.

What Is a Power Surge?

A power surge occurs when voltage in an electrical system suddenly increases above its normal level.

Lightning is one possible cause, but it isn't the only one.

Surges can also occur because of utility equipment problems, damaged power lines, switching events, or fluctuations when electrical service is restored following an outage.

Because these events can happen without warning, surge protection isn't something you can simply put in place when a storm is approaching.

What Does Whole-Home Surge Protection Do?

A whole-home surge protection device is installed at the home's electrical panel.

When the electrical system experiences a surge, the device is designed to redirect excess energy away from connected circuits and equipment.

This differs from plugging an individual television or computer into a standalone surge protector.

Whole-home protection can provide a broader layer of protection for equipment connected throughout the house.

What Can a Surge Damage?

Modern electrical equipment can contain sensitive electronic components.

Potentially affected equipment can include:

• Televisions

• Computers

• Appliances

• HVAC equipment

• Security systems

• Internet equipment

• Smart-home devices

• Garage-door systems

• Home entertainment equipment

A severe surge can cause immediate damage. Smaller electrical disturbances may also contribute to wear on sensitive electronics over time.

Are New Jersey Homes Particularly Vulnerable to Surges?

New Jersey experiences thunderstorms, lightning, high winds, winter storms, and other weather events that can affect electrical infrastructure.

A storm doesn't have to directly strike your home to create an electrical problem. Damage elsewhere on the utility system or fluctuations when service is restored can also affect homes.

For homeowners who have experienced frequent outages or want additional protection for expensive electronics, whole-home surge protection may be worth considering.

Do You Still Need Plug-In Surge Protectors?

Whole-home surge protection doesn't necessarily make plug-in protection obsolete.

A whole-home device provides protection at the electrical panel, while point-of-use protection can provide an additional layer for individual sensitive electronics.

An electrician can help you determine what combination makes sense for your home and equipment.

Should You Install Surge Protection With a New Electrical Panel?

If you're already upgrading your electrical panel, it can be a convenient time to discuss whole-home surge protection.

The electrician can evaluate the existing electrical system and determine whether a compatible surge protection device should be incorporated into the project.

The same consideration applies when you're installing major equipment such as an EV charger or standby generator.

Can a Surge Protector Prevent All Electrical Damage?

No electrical protection system can guarantee that equipment will never be damaged.

Whole-home surge protection is intended to reduce the impact of certain voltage surges. It should be viewed as one part of a broader approach to electrical safety and equipment protection.

Your electrician can explain what the system is designed to protect and what additional measures may be appropriate.

Professional Whole-Home Surge Protection in New Jersey

Thomas Edison Electric provides whole-home surge protection and other residential electrical services throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The company's electricians can evaluate your electrical panel, recommend an appropriate protection solution, and professionally install the equipment.

If you're looking for an additional layer of protection for your home's electronics and electrical equipment, whole-home surge protection may be worth discussing with a qualified electrician.