Nearly everyone has a surge protector or two these days. We use them to protect our valuable electronics such as computers, stereos, TVs and more. Although they are less common because they’re less publicized, whole house surge protectors can give you a whole-house solution without having to have a bulky surge protector for each outlet. Having surge protectors installed by a Electrician in the McLean Area could simplify and protect your home.

There are two different types of power surges that you should know about. The first, and most dramatic, is the power surge caused by lightning. Although this type of power surge can be incredibly devastating, it is not very common. A quick chat with an electrician in McLean VA, and you will be assured that lightning would have to strike a power pole within one mile of your home for it to have an effect on you. This is not very likely. The most common types of power surges are caused by changes in electricity use, downed power lines, or even by the fluctuations in the power usage of the larger appliances in your home. This type of surge may not be noticed at first, but it will take a toll on your electronics, eventually wearing them out much earlier than their expected lifespan. This type of surge will eventually lead to broken GFI electrical outlets, interior lighting failure, and other residential electrical problems that electrical contracting companies like Certified Electrical Technologies deal with every day.

Benefits of Whole House Surge Protectors

What, then, is the best way to protect your home against these two types of power surges? If you talk to an electrician in McLean, they will most likely recommend using both a whole house surge protection system, as well as your standard plug-in surge protectors. The whole house suppression system will act as your first line of defense against any higher-than-normal electricity levels. It is also important, however, to continue to plug in your valuable electronics such as home theater systems, computers etc. into their own surge protectors as a second line of defense. For the most part, both systems operate the same. During normal voltage conditions, they just allow the current to flow through normally. Under high voltage, they will act to throttle and even stop the flow of dangerous
voltage if necessary.

Surge Protector Installation – Find a Knowledgeable McLean Electrician

Having these surge protectors installed is a fairly simple installation. Most whole house protectors are installed directly into your service panel. You should ask your electrician in McLean about things such as how high the protector is rated, and whether it has thermal fuses, lights and alarms that will let you know when a surge has hit. In addition to the protection unit on your service panel, it is also recommended to install protectors on phone and cable lines. Because dangerous levels of electricity can also enter through these lines, it is important to make sure that you are protected. Typical installation of a whole-house surge protection system by whichever electrician from McLean VA you choose, will take around 2-3 hours depending on the unit you choose.

By making the relatively small investment on a whole-house surge suppression system, you are very likely saving your self from extensive and costly repairs and replacements in the future. Whether you end up facing a catastrophic power surge, or more frequent microwave, television and refrigerator replacement, the costs of dangerously high voltage can begin to add up quickly. In the same way that you have your smoke detectors installed, outlets installed and other important electrical repairs and maintenance performed, you should also consider protecting your whole house from power spokes.

Call a local professional electrical contractor today, such as Certified Electrical Technologies, a dependable and fully licensed McLean Electrician to talk about the pros, cons and options.

If you need any electrical work in McLean, please don’t hesitate to contact us at:

Certified Electrical Technologies
1390 Chain Bridge Rd., McLean,VA 22101
703-547-8186
visit our website
www.certifiedelectricaltechnologies.com/electrician-mclean-va/