Electrical · Property Services
Whole-Home Surge Protection
A lightning strike nearby, a utility switching event or a failing neighbor’s appliance can send a spike through your wiring and quietly shorten the life of every electronic device you own. A whole-house surge protector at the panel absorbs much of that energy before it reaches your outlets. NorTech connects you with vetted licensed electricians who set their own price and pull permits where the city requires them.
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What a whole-house protector does and does not do
A surge protective device mounted at the main panel diverts excess voltage to ground before it spreads through the house. It protects the permanently wired items that plug strips cannot, such as the refrigerator, HVAC controls, garage door opener and smart home gear. It is not a battery and cannot keep the lights on during an outage, and a direct lightning hit can still overwhelm any protector. Think of it as the first line of defense, with point-of-use strips as the second for sensitive electronics like computers and televisions.
Choosing a protector and what the electrician checks
Electricians look at the panel brand, the available breaker spaces and the condition of the grounding system, since a protector is only as good as its ground. Models differ in joule rating, response time, clamping voltage and connected-equipment warranty, and some add protection for cable and phone lines. A licensed professional installs the unit with short, straight wiring because long leads reduce effectiveness. Ask which model is used, what the warranty includes and how you will know when the protector has done its job.
Permits, safety and what to expect on the day
The work is done at the main panel, so the electrician will briefly shut off power to the house, usually for an hour or less. Some cities require a permit and an inspection for panel work, and a licensed electrician knows how to handle that. After installation, indicator lights show whether protection is active, and many units alert you when they need replacing after a major event. Keep the model number and warranty paperwork with your home records, and check the lights after any storm.
When to book whole-home surge protection
Looking for a licensed electrician? Bigger jobs and anything that needs a permit go to a verified California C-10 contractor. See licensed electrician services.
Frequently asked
Whole-Home Surge Protection — common questions
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