Whole-Home Surge Protection in Charleston and South Carolina Lowcountry

---

In a region prone to lightning strikes and other severe weather, your appliances and electronic devices need protection from voltage fluctuations. 

The team of licensed, highly trained electricians at LimRic is here to safeguard your entire electrical system with whole-home surge protection services in Charleston and Lowcountry, SC.

What Is a Power Surge?

Power surges happen when the normal amount of power flowing through an outlet suddenly increases. Usually, there are 120 volts of power flowing through a standard wall outlet, but the voltage can shift between 0 and 169 volts. When the voltage suddenly surpasses 169 volts, this is known as a power surge or a transient voltage.

A power surge can happen in your home when a current of electricity passes through an electrical device that exceeds its normal operating range. This surge of power can cause an electric arc and heat that can damage or destroy electrical wiring and other components. Sometimes, small power surges happen without you knowing, which can gradually reduce the performance and lifespan of your electronic devices and appliances.

Common Causes of a Power Surge

Surges can happen inside the home from electrical overloads and faulty wiring, and outside the home from lightning strikes and power outages. 

Electrical Overload

A common cause of power surges is an electrical overload, which is when there is an increase in power drawn from a single circuit. This excess power, followed by a voltage spike, usually occurs when you overuse extension cords or have too many devices or appliances plugged into the same circuits. Some electronic devices that often cause electrical overloads include space heaters, hair dryers, power tools, HVAC units, and large appliances.

Faulty Wiring

Damaged, exposed wires or outdated electrical systems can also cause power surges. But it can be hard to tell when wiring is faulty since it’s often located behind walls. 

Some signs of bad wiring are:

• Scorched marks on outlets
• A burning smell or buzzing sound coming from outlets
• Frequently tripping circuit breakers

If you notice these signs, you should disconnect any electrical devices, turn off power to the area, and contact a licensed electrician right away.

Lightning Strike

Lightning strikes are an indirect cause of power surges. Lighting can hit power lines, delivering large amounts of voltage and forcing the system to bear this drastic increase in electrical current. This triggers a huge power surge, which is why all devices without surge protection should be unplugged during severe thunderstorms.

Power Outages/Blackouts

Large-scale power grid failures can cause power outages or blackouts, and power surges can happen when electricity is restored. A sudden jump in current can occur, which can damage any device that is plugged in and does not have surge protection.

Why You Need Whole-Home Surge Protection

Whole-home surge protection stops power surges at the source before they enter your home. Investing in a whole-house surge protector is the best way to preserve your electronic devices and appliances, from computers to air conditioners to necessary medical devices. Surge protection also guards against electrical shocks and fires from overheating wires. 

Benefits of installing a surge protector for your home:

• Full-property protection
• Little maintenance required
• Protects electronic devices and appliances
• Extends the life of electrical equipment by up to 30%
• Better reliability than power strips

Whole-Home Surge Protector Installation 

During whole-house surge protector installation, our licensed electricians will install a surge protector on your electrical panel to measure incoming voltage and bring it to a safe level before it passes into the wiring of your home. We offer monthly financing options to support your investment in whole-home surge protection.
Contact LimRic for efficient, reliable whole-home surge protection services in Charleston, Summerville, Mt. Pleasant, Folly Beach, Edisto Island, and surrounding areas.