Having good surge protection is like driving a car with airbags and crumple zones. Just like the car absorbs the worst of the impact to protect you in a crash, a surge protector does the same for the electronics in your house or office. Without it, your electronics will take the full force of the power surge as it travels through all the wiring in your building.
Power surges are sudden spikes in voltage that can occur due to various reasons — for example, lightning strikes, power grid fluctuations, or even large appliances turning on and off within your home or office. These surges can inflict serious damage on your electrical appliances and systems, leading to pricey repairs or replacements. Worse still, they can also create safety risks if someone is using the equipment at the time of the surge.
That’s why surge protectors are practically a necessity for any homeowner or business owner. Stopping unpredictable events where electronics get hit with too much current means your investment in tech and appliances is well protected. These systems also play a role in keeping your home or office itself safe by cutting down on the risk of fires and shocks. The main question is whether a simple power bar surge protector is sufficient for your needs, or a professional setup installed at the electrical panel is preferable.
Whole-Home Surge Protectors vs. Power Bar Surge Protectors: What’s the Difference?
Whole-Home Surge Protectors
What They Do: These are installed right at your service panel (breaker box) and they protect your entire electrical system. They defend your home against surges before they even get a chance to travel through your wiring.
Level of Protection: Surge protection installed at the source will stop surges before they are able to enter the premises, keeping everything from your dishwasher to your ceiling fans safe. It’s a blanket of security that covers all your circuits.
Ease of installation: You’ll need a pro for this. Installation is not a DIY project, as it involves integrating the protector directly into your main electrical panel.
Power Bar Surge Protectors
What They Do: These are the more familiar portable strips that you plug into a wall outlet. They come with several outlets themselves, making them convenient for connecting devices that are located in the same spot, like your computer desk or TV area.
Level of Protection: These protectors handle smaller, everyday surges. However, they won’t guard against the massive surges that whole-home protectors can handle. They also can’t protect built-in appliances like the aforementioned dishwasher or anything that’s hardwired.
Ease of Installation: Just plug them into any wall outlet and you’re set. These are a no-fuss solution, ideal for renters or anyone who needs a quick and easy way to protect their electronics.
Choosing the Best Fit
For smaller, more localized protection, a power bar will do the trick. If the devices you need to protect are plugged into a power outlet and centralized in a few areas, you can probably get away with the power bar-style surge protector.
However, that approach isn’t convenient when it comes to protecting large appliances, hardwired devices, industrial equipment, or an office space with many electronics spread out over a large area. If this is the case for you, a permanent surge protector is likely the best choice. If you are already planning to have an electrician do some work on your panel — perhaps to add a generator or mini-split — that would be an ideal time to add surge protection as well. Contact our team of professionals and we can provide you with more information and an estimate.
