Is your Home Prepared for Stormy Weather?

Utah’s stormy weather means lots of snow, rain and wind. Those storms also mean increased fluctuations in electricity throughout the state. Commonly known as surges, these fluctuations can damage appliances, heating and cooling systems, and anything plugged in.

We don't want you to have to deal with any of that. Especially since you might have some things that would be devastating to lose. So, in this article, we’ll cover how you can protect your home from electrical surges. This way you can save money and keep all the appliances in your home working for many years to come.

What's an Electrical Surge?

An electrical surge is a brief spike in voltage. Those spikes can seriously damage appliances and wiring. That’s because most appliances, outlets, and devices are rated for a specific range of voltage. At the time of a surge, they have too many volts, and the internal parts get overloaded and fried.

And Where Do They Come From?

Utah’s thunderstorms, snow storms, and high winds cause surges across the state on a regular basis. That means the electricity in your home is being affected during and after that type of weather.

In addition to weather related surges, homes near schools, office and church buildings experience building related surges. Large buildings turn on and off huge amounts of power on a daily basis. This can cause surges in homes up to 2-3 miles away.

How Can I Protect Myself?

Any hour Services plumber fixing a dripping faucet

The best way to protect your home from surges is with a whole house surge protector. This device dampens surges as they enter your home. You can think of a whole house surge protector as a filter for your electrical system.

This has a positive impact on things in your home like kitchen appliances, furnaces and air conditioners, computers, tv’s, and more. Because they’re likely to last longer, need less repairs and save you money over time.

What Does The Electrical Code Say About This?

The National Electric Code (NEC) sets the standard for electricians and electrical work across the US. The arrival of the 2020 edition added some substantial changes to the codes on surge protection.

The most notable of these changes can be found in “Services” article 230.67, which states that any new or replaced service supplying a dwelling unit must be provided with a Type 1 or Type 2 Surge Protection Device.

Now That You know What Can Help, It's Time To Call An Electrician.

Many people buy surge protector plug strips to protect their computers and televisions. But they forget about protecting the most expensive and important appliances in their home. A whole house surge protector helps you do it all.

We recommend calling your trusted electrician to inspect your home and give you options for a whole home surge protector. If you don’t have a trusted electrician, reach out to Any Hour Services for help.

Join our email list to get access to weekly emails with helpful videos, educational articles, and DIY home maintenance guides.