When the electricity flows into your home from the grid, it comes at a steady rate. However, there are occasionally times when the electricity spikes high. This is known as a power surge. These sudden increases can come from outside, such as during a lightning storm or when the utility company switches equipment. However, they can also come from inside your house when large appliances, like an air conditioner or a refrigerator, switch on and off. Because modern homes have so many expensive electronic devices and appliances, protecting them is critical. Your electrical panel can be an excellent tool for keeping your house safe.
The Danger Hiding in Your Wiring
When a surge of electricity hits your house, it tries to go all over the place at once. Large surges do significant damage to appliances and devices. The wires and other components fry, rendering them useless forever. You may have to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars to replace the damaged goods. Therefore, understanding where the electricity comes from is the first step in protecting your valuable belongings from these damaging spikes.
Why Your Electrical Panel Is the First Line of Defense
Your electrical panel, sometimes called a breaker box, is the central distribution point for all of the electricity in your home. It’s also the place where an electrician will install surge protection equipment that provides whole-home protection.
This panel contains the main circuit breakers that are designed to stop the flow of electricity if a major problem occurs, such as a circuit becoming overloaded. However, it can also be equipped with devices that stop a voltage spike before it enters the wiring in your house. If you have an older home, it might not have any whole-house surge protection built into the panel. This leaves your entire house vulnerable every time a storm rolls through. You can have an electrician check your panel over to see if it can provide your home with the protection that you need.
The Simple Checkup That Saves You Money
To keep problems at bay, you must schedule an inspection with an electrician every few years. During the inspection, the electrician will inspect the wiring connections for any loose or corroded spots. Loose wires can actually cause small internal surges themselves. This is something many people don’t even realize. If necessary, the electrician can also install a service entrance surge suppressor. This is a device that acts like a pressure relief valve and safely stops dangerous spikes right where the electricity enters your home.
If you’re unsure whether your home has the protection it needs, be sure to consult with an electrician. You can’t afford to leave your house, electronics, and appliances to chance. Call Hendrix Air for panel repair or replacement for your Nahunta, GA home.
