What Is a Power Surge?
We plug more electronics into our homes than ever before—TVs, computers, appliances, HVAC equipment, chargers, smart-home devices, and more.
Most homeowners know to use surge-protecting power strips for expensive electronics. But what about everything else connected to your home’s electrical system?
That’s where whole-home surge protection comes in.
And yes—for many Rhode Island homes, Phil considers it a worthwhile electrical safety upgrade.
A power surge is a sudden increase in electrical voltage.
Lightning may be the first thing that comes to mind, but surges can have other causes, including disturbances from the utility system and electrical equipment cycling on and off.
Some surges are dramatic. Others are smaller and may happen repeatedly over time.
Those smaller surges can gradually take a toll on sensitive electronics and equipment throughout your home.
What Does a Whole-Home Surge Protector Do?
A whole-home surge protective device is installed at your electrical panel and is designed to help divert excess voltage before it travels throughout your home’s electrical system.
Think of it as a first line of defense for the entire house, rather than protecting only the devices plugged into an individual surge strip.
That means protection isn’t limited to your television and computer.
It can also help protect equipment and appliances you may not normally think about, including:
- Refrigerators and other major appliances
- Heating and cooling equipment
- Washers and dryers
- Smart-home technology
- TVs and entertainment systems
- Computers and electronics
- Other equipment connected to the home’s electrical system
Isn't a Surge-Protecting Power Strip Enough?
Surge-protecting power strips can still be useful for individual electronics, but they don’t provide the same type of protection as a device installed at your electrical panel.
We like the layered approach.
Whole-home surge protection provides protection at the electrical system level, while quality point-of-use surge protection can add another layer for sensitive electronics.
And remember: not every power strip is a surge protector.
Is Whole-Home Surge Protection Worth It?
Consider how much it would cost to replace the electronics and appliances throughout your home.
One refrigerator, television, computer, HVAC component, or other piece of equipment can cost considerably more than homeowners realize.
Whole-home surge protection won’t make your home invincible, and no surge protective device can guarantee that equipment will never be damaged.
But it can provide an important additional layer of protection for the electrical equipment you’ve already invested in.
For many homeowners, that’s an upgrade worth considering.
Can I Install a Whole-Home Surge Protector Myself?
This is one electrical project we recommend leaving to a qualified electrician.
The correct surge protective device needs to be selected for the home’s electrical system and properly installed at the electrical panel.
Phil installs whole-home surge protection for PS Electric customers, so there’s no need to figure out which device to purchase or how to install it yourself.
He can evaluate your existing panel, determine the appropriate equipment, and install it correctly.
Phil's Tip
If you’re already having electrical work performed–such as a panel upgrade or other work at your electrical panel–it’s a great time to ask about adding whole-home surge protection.
What About Plug-In Surge Protectors?
Plug-in surge protectors can provide an extra layer of protection for individual electronics such as TVs, computers, home-office equipment, and entertainment systems.
They’re especially useful for sensitive or expensive electronics, but they protect only the devices plugged directly into them.
For the best protection, use quality plug-in surge protectors together with whole-home surge protection—not as a replacement for it.
Phil's Picks: Plug-In Surge Protection
Looking for point-of-use protection? Here are a few options worth considering for electronics around the home.
Reliable everyday surge protection for TVs, computers, gaming systems and home-office electronics.
Best for: Everyday electronics
Higher-rated surge protection with 7 outlets and 2,160 joules.
Best for: Entertainment centers & home offices
Simple point-of-use surge protection for one individual electronic device.
Best for: Individual electronics & small appliances
Not Sure If Your Home Has Surge Protection?
You may already have a surge protective device and not know exactly what it does—or your electrical panel may not have whole-home surge protection at all.
Phil can take a look.
PS Electric serves Rhode Island homeowners with electrical safety inspections, panel upgrades, surge protection, troubleshooting, and other residential electrical services.
Protect More Than Just What's Plugged Into a Power Strip
Your home’s electrical system serves thousands of dollars’ worth of appliances, electronics, and equipment every day.
Whole-home surge protection adds another layer of defense where it matters most—at your electrical panel.
Ask about adding whole-home surge protection to your home.
Stay safe,
Phil & Christy St. Clair
PS Electric
QUICK ANSWER
Yes—for most modern homes, whole-home surge protection is a worthwhile investment. It helps protect appliances, electronics, HVAC equipment, and other devices from damaging voltage spikes that standard power strips alone can’t fully address.
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