On an installation at an Alpharetta client's home for recessed lighting, I did my routine maintenance check on their entire electrical system and found a Sycom surge protector installed in their two electrical panels.
Sycom surge protectors had a recall about 5 years ago because they were melting and catching home owner’s electrical panels on fire. Normally, I have recommended to people to call the company and have them send a new surge protector to replace the recalled one. However, with all those recalls, this company went out of business.
This customer hired me to install new Square D Surge protectors in their two electrical panels. I like using the Square D surge protectors because of their reliability and 5-year warranty that includes $75,000 equipment protection.
Why Do You Need a Whole Home Surge Protector?
In 2020 the National Electrical Code Council found the need for whole home surge protectors to be a necessity, where before it was optional. With the addition of computer chips in almost everything in your home from vacuum cleaners to refrigerators, the need for whole home surge protection is a necessity.
What is a power surge?
A surge protector keeps power surges that cause sudden and unwanted increases in voltage from damaging, degrading, or destroying your electronic equipment. Surges can happen when large appliances such as air conditioners turn on and off. Surges can also originate from electric utilities or lightning.
Levels of Surge Protection:
Good: Point-of-Use Surge Protection:
Easy to use – just plug in
Only protects electronics plugged into the device
You'll need to replace them over time or after a major surge event
Best: Whole Home Surge Protection
Must be installed by a qualified electrician
Provides protection for your entire electrical system at home including large appliances, outlets, and light switches
Protects against larger surges and provide longer lasting surge protection than point-of-use devices
No surge protection can handle a direct lightning strike. Disconnect sensitive electronics if you suspect a surge is coming.
Need to add or change your whole home surge protection? Contact us