For homes · Southlake, TX
A whole-house surge protector is a device installed at your electrical panel. It limits short bursts of excess voltage before they reach the outlets and appliances in your home. Daniel Electric installs them in Southlake, TX homes and explains what a surge protector can and cannot do.
Daniel Electric · TECL #21005 · (817) 481-8606
A surge is a short burst of voltage above the normal level. ESFI says lightning, damaged power lines, utility switching, large appliances turning on and off, and faulty wiring can all cause one. ESFI estimates that 80 percent come from inside the home. A surge protective device limits the burst. A GFCI is different. It protects people from shock and does not protect your electronics from surges.
ESFI says the 2020 NEC requires Type 1 or Type 2 surge protective devices in new and renovated homes, and NFPA says the device goes at or next to the service equipment. An older home may not have one. Our guide to whole-house surge protection helps you decide.
A plug-in point-of-use surge protector only covers what is plugged into it. A whole-house protector covers the panel, so it guards hard-wired items such as HVAC and appliances. Many homes use both. Read about power strips, surge protectors and extension cords.
A licensed electrician installs the device at or next to your electrical panel. Never open the panel yourself. We check the panel first to see which device fits, then explain the work before it starts. The whole-house surge protector entry covers the parts.
Daniel Electric guarantees the proper installation of surge protectors. It does not insure against lightning or electrical surges. If a protector fails under the parts warranty, Daniel Electric will provide a new one. Damage to your own devices from lightning or surges is covered only by the maker's warranty. Read the terms on the warranty page.
Ask us anything else: call (817) 481-8606.
Read the guideWhole-House Surge Protection: How It Works and Whether You Need ItIt protects the electronics and appliances you would pay to replace. Whether it is worth it depends on how much you have plugged in and how often storms hit. We can look at your panel and talk it through. We do not post prices.
Not always. A very large surge, such as a close lightning strike, can overwhelm any protector. A protector lowers the risk for everyday surges. Daniel Electric does not warrant against lightning damage to your devices.
Often yes. A whole-house device protects the whole panel. A plug-in protector adds a second layer next to sensitive equipment such as computers and TVs.
The right type depends on your panel and where the device mounts. NFPA says new dwelling services require Type 1 or Type 2. We choose the device that fits your service and explain why.
TECL #21005 · Family owned since 1988
Call and tell us what is going on. A photo of the panel label or the problem helps us come prepared. Quotes on new installations are free.
