Surge protectors, including whole home surge protectors, function as vital guardians of electrical systems, shielding devices from potentially damaging voltage spikes. These spikes, caused by lightning strikes, power outages, or fluctuations in the electrical grid, can wreak havoc on sensitive electronics. Surge protectors work by detecting excess voltage and diverting it away from connected devices.
Whole home surge protectors are typically installed at the main electrical panel of a residence. They monitor the incoming electrical supply and act as a barrier, preventing harmful surges from entering the home’s wiring. When a surge occurs, the surge protector rapidly redirects the excess voltage to the ground, where it is safely dissipated, thus safeguarding the entire home’s electrical system.
Inside a surge protector, components such as metal oxide varistors (MOVs) or gas discharge tubes (GDTs) absorb and dissipate excess voltage. These components act as sacrificial elements, absorbing the energy of the surge and sacrificing themselves to protect connected devices.
Additionally, whole home surge protectors offer comprehensive protection for all appliances and electronics connected to the home’s electrical system, including those not plugged into individual surge protectors. This ensures that every device in the home is shielded from the damaging effects of electrical surges, providing peace of mind to homeowners and safeguarding their valuable investments.
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