Surge protection devices can protect your home’s sensitive electrical system and devices from spikes in voltage. Utility grid issues, faulty wiring, and malfunctioning devices are a few of the issues that can cause fluctuations in electricity. Using a surge-protecting safety checklist in your home will ensure safety and prevent expensive repairs and premature replacements.
Install Whole-Home Surge Protection
You can find stand-alone surge protection devices that provide protection to individual devices. A whole-home surge protector installs at your main electrical panel and protects your entire residence. Periodically check your surge protector to ensure that its indicator light is on and the device is functioning.
If you’re using individual surge protectors, inspect them frequently to ensure they’re working. Some devices have a warning light that indicates the protector is malfunctioning. If your surge protectors are more than five years old or recently experienced a major surge, it’s a good idea to replace them.
Consider the Placement of Your Surge Protectors
Some surge protectors are built into power strips, and some are stand-alone devices. Regardless of which type you have, make sure they are in a safe location. Surge protectors should be off the floor and away from moisture. Do not cover them with furniture or rugs. Doing this can trap heat around the devices and cause damage to interior components.
Ensuring Electrical Load and Outlet Safety
Appliances and electronic devices that require a large draw of power should be plugged directly into an outlet, not a surge protector. This is when a whole-house surge protector is ideal. Outlets should have sufficient grounding, and GFCI outlets should be in kitchens and bathrooms due to the presence of moisture. If you notice that any of your outlets feels warm to the touch, is loose, or is sparking, replace it immediately. Also, never connect surge protectors or power strips together.
Preparing for the Next Outage
Even with surge protection in place, always take extra precautions during a severe storm or power outage. Unplug sensitive electronics like computers, televisions, and video game systems. When you plug items back in later, do so one at a time. This avoids surges of electricity when electronics boot back up.
If you have a home office or large entertainment center set up in your residence, consider investing in surge protection for coaxial cables that are often in place for cable television, internet modems, and home security systems. Many people don’t realize that surges have the potential to travel through these lines as well as traditional wires. If you have concerns or require surge protection services, contact Mauzy in San Diego, CA.