Wisconsin households and businesses suffer millions in damages every year due to storm-related electronics losses. Those numbers are on the rise as homeowners install smart devices, EV charging stations, and other electronics. Direct lightning strikes garner much of the attention, but statistics show they account for only about 2% of the damage overall. The much bigger problem is what experts call the “silent killer” of modern devices. These are the indirect surges that reach your electronics through power cords and data lines, including Ethernet and USB.
Understanding Surges: Internal and External
Internal surges and spikes originate within a home, often due to high-energy appliances, including air conditioners and refrigerators. Such surges are relatively small but frequent and can slowly degrade your electronics over time. They also aren’t more or less likely to occur because it’s storming outside.
External surges originate outside the home and can be massive enough to destroy electronics in a single occurrence. Direct lightning strikes are uncommon but can be catastrophic when they occur. Indirect strikes are much more common but can still be quite damaging. An example is lightning striking a power pole, which then causes a discharge that enters your home. You can also experience indirect surges when lightning strikes some aspect of the grid. Other causes include blown transformers and downed power lines.
Protecting Your Electronics: The Multilayered Approach
Experts recommend a multilayered approach to protect your electronics and your home. You want at least two layers. Whole-house surge protection provides the initial layer; it’s the main line of defense. Point-of-use protectors provide the second line of defense. Should any excess power trickle through the initial layer, they’ll take the brunt of it.
Whole-Home Surge Protection
The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires residential whole-house surge protection as of the 2020 update. While Wisconsin bases its code on the NEC, it still uses the 2017 edition as of this writing. This means most Wisconsin homes are unlikely to have this upgrade.
Homeowners can add a surge protection device (SPD) to an existing system. SPDs continuously monitor incoming voltage. When an SPD detects a surge, it will activate within nanoseconds. Activation means that it shunts the incoming power from the main path and into the ground circuit. The excess power then dissipates without causing any damage. There are two main types of whole-site SPDs for residential applications: Type 1 and Type 2.
Type 2 SPDs
The NEC requires either a Type 2 or Type 1 SPD, with Type 2 SPDs being the more common in practice. These devices function at the service panel on the load side. That allows them to protect against indirect external surges in addition to internal surges.
Type 1 SPDs
Type 1 SPDs function on the line side of the service entrance before the main breaker. This allows them to protect against both direct and indirect external surges. It does not protect against internal surges, which is why some homeowners opt for both Type 1 and Type 2 protection.
Electrical Panel Upgrades
You can add both Type 2 and Type 1 SPDs to an existing electrical system. Still, if your current panel is older than 25 years, an electrician may recommend a full replacement. The average household needs between 150 and 200 amps, and larger houses may need 250 amps or more. Older panels often provide 100 amps of coverage or less. Another consideration is circuit capacity. Overloaded circuits can make your home more prone to surges. You may also need to add circuits to accommodate the outlets, lighting, and other devices you need.
Local or Type 3 Surge Protection
A direct or indirect external surge can overwhelm your whole-home surge protection. In these scenarios, shunting will still occur, but excess power may get through. That power can damage your electrical panel, wiring, appliances, and electronics. This is why you should connect all valuable electronics and appliances through a Type 3 SPD. Type 3 SPDs include the surge protector power strips that many households already use for their computer equipment.
Surge Protector Best Practices
Be mindful that not all power strips are surge protectors. While they may look similar, surge protectors have the components necessary to shunt surges. Manufacturers rate surge protectors based on the joules supported, such as 2000J. A 1000J surge protector is good enough for relatively inexpensive appliances, such as lamps and coffee makers. Electricians recommend at least 2000J for basic laptops, routers, printers, and so on. Consider investing in a 3000J+ surge protector for high-end televisions, gaming PCs, and so forth. It’s also important to note that surge protectors wear out over time. Replace them at the first signs of deterioration or every three to five years to be on the safe side.
Integrated Type Surge Protection
You can upgrade to outlets that have integrated Type 3 surge protection. This can help limit the number of surge protector power strips you must have throughout your home. These outlets can also have integrated connectivity, such as USB and Ethernet ports. What’s nice is that these outlets can extend that surge protection to those ports. That will protect your phone while charging and your laptop while hardwired to the internet.
Smart Outlets and Smart Plugs
The main benefit of smart outlets is that they prevent phantom loads by appliances in standby mode. A smart plug can extend this functionality to any standard outlet. An ancillary benefit is that this feature can protect devices while in standby. If an electronics device isn’t drawing power, then it can’t be damaged by a surge that occurs.
Proper Outdoor Protection
While outdoor outlets can’t cause surges, they can be gateways for surges. You should have weatherproof outdoor outlets with GFCI protection and in-use bubble covers. This is mostly to protect people, but it can safeguard your circuits in some scenarios.
Guaranteed Protection for Electronics: Pulling the Plug
When you’ll be away from home for 48 hours or more, unplug your appliances and electronics. When a lightning storm occurs, unplug all devices you don’t absolutely need. This is the only truly certain protection for your electronics from surges during storms.
Regular Home Maintenance
Air conditioners, heat pumps, and standby generators are common causes of electronics degradation. Schedule seasonal heating and cooling tune-ups. Book generator maintenance as needed based on operating hours. Have an electrician come out and check your SPD after an activation or when the warning light comes on. Every several years, at least, schedule a whole-home electrical inspection and perform any needed maintenance and upgrades.
Routine Maintenance for Your Electronics Too
The performance of your electronics can affect how susceptible they are to surge damage. Ensure optimal airflow through proper placement and regular dusting. Where applicable, regularly update your devices’ firmware and/or software.
Residential Surge Protection Solutions for the Greater Lake Geneva Area
Peck & Weis Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, Electric is a residential electrical contractor that’s served this region for over 60 years from our location in Lake Geneva, WI. Our licensed electricians provide a full range of electrical services: inspections, maintenance, and repairs. We can upgrade the surge protection in your home along with related devices, including electric panels and outlets. To schedule an in-home consultation, call today or book your appointment online.
