Whole House Surge Protectors a Part of Voltage Regulation

Limiting the amount of electrical voltage reaching devices and appliances is the job and purpose of surge protectors. Surge protectors can protect single outlets or can be whole house surge protectors. Individual surge protectors can have multiple protected outlets and in general protect appliances and devices from surges created within the system as well as those surges generated outside the system in the power grid. Whole house surge protectors form an umbrella of protection for all electrical appliances and devices and all outlets and connections located within the house itself.

Surge protectors act by redirecting, absorbing or cutting off power during a high voltage event. Improper installation or use of a surge protector will limit or eliminate the effectiveness of event response.

Neither whole house surge protectors nor single outlet surge protectors have the ability to protects appliances and devices against brown outs and other low voltage events. There are other devices designed to safely handle low voltage events and when combined with surge protectors provide an effective security screen to protect against dramatic fluctuations in voltage.

Electrical noise known as transients are voltage spikes that can affect sensitive electronics. HDTVs are often victimized by transients and the use of surge protectors will greatly increase the life span of these costly appliances.

Personal computers, printers and fax machines are sheltered by surge protectors from electrical disturbances caused by weather and environment. These weather related disturbances can be caused by extremely hot or cold conditions or by violent storms. Inclement weather conditions can also affect the power grid by creating to a too powerful demand or need for electricity. The dangerously high voltage associated with a lightening strike can instantly wipe out all of the electrical appliances and devices in a home.

Many home owners utilize a system combing whole house surge protectors with outlet based surge protectors to protect their whole house system from high voltage events. A whole house surge protector should be professionally installed but many outlet based surge protectors can be installed by casual electricians.