A whole house surge protector is a device installed at your home's main electrical panel that protects all electrical appliances and systems from voltage spikes by diverting excess voltage to the ground before it reaches your electronics. It offers a high level of protection against both frequent small surges and rare high-voltage surges such as those caused by lightning or utility issues.
Key points about whole house surge protectors:
- They safeguard the entire home's electrical system, including hard-wired appliances that cannot be protected by plug-in surge protectors.
- Installed by a licensed electrician, these devices cost between $200 to $700 including installation, which is more expensive than individual power strip surge protectors but can be more cost-effective overall, especially in protecting valuable electronics and home systems.
- They provide peace of mind by reducing risk of damage and potential fire hazards caused by electrical surges.
- Whole house surge protectors are recommended as part of a layered surge protection strategy combined with point-of-use protectors for sensitive devices.
- Their protective components degrade over time, typically lasting 3–5 years, so monitoring for indicator lights or replacement is necessary.
They are increasingly required by electrical codes (e.g., NEC 2020) and offered by major manufacturers like DITEK, Siemens, and Eaton, with features such as built-in diagnostics, audible alarms, and warranties for connected equipment.
In summary, a whole house surge protector is an effective and comprehensive solution to protect your entire electrical system and valuable appliances from power surges across your home. It is especially worth considering if you have many sensitive or hard-wired electronics.
