Surge protectors shield your electronic devices from current spikes. These spikes can occur for a variety of reasons, including bad wiring, short circuits, lightning strikes, and grid faults, such as a faulty transformer.
Generally, these surges are minor, and a plug-in surge protector will be enough. However, some surges, such as those from lightning strikes, are far too powerful for store-bought protectors. In such a case, you’ll need a whole-house surge protector.
Quick Answer – How to Pick the Right Size Protector
Your surge protector should have a low clamping voltage, a big enough joule rating, and UL 1449 certification for safety.
How to Determine the Right Size
Clamping voltage is the level at which the surge protector will begin shunting current into the ground. In North America, almost all electrical devices use “household current,” which is 110-120 volts.
A few things, such as electric dryers and ovens, use 240 volts. Most devices that use 110 volts or 120 volts can stand about 220 volts. Therefore, 220 volts is a common clamping voltage for whole-home surge protectors.
It’s not common for homeowners to have Level-III electric-vehicle chargers in their homes because they draw almost 500 volts, and those people would have to have special junction boxes and wiring.
However, some folks want such a fast charger in their homes. In that case, if they were to have adequate surge protection, then they’d need two systems: one at 220 volts for everything in the home but the charger and one for the charger alone at 480 volts.
Each whole-home surge protector also has a joule rating. The more electronics you have, the higher a joule rating you will need. An electrician will be able to advise you on what kind of level is needed.
It’s also important for your whole-home surge protector to have UL 1449 certification for safety as well as effectiveness. The criteria include how well the device protects against multiple surges, whether the ground diverting circuit works correctly, and how well the whole-home surge protector handles short circuits and extreme overvoltage events. Such devices will have a prominent marking indicating their compliance with the criteria.
Neither the whole-home surge protectors nor the grounding systems are DIY projects. You need a fully licensed electrician to install both of them for you.
When to Increase Size and Performance
• Changes in weather patterns and/or severity
• Increased number of high-value electronics
• Missing grounding systems
• Pre-1950 homes
Grounding system installation or upgrading is usually a great place to start. Upgrading the wiring system of an older home is also an excellent idea.
Typical Ratings Based on Use Cases
• Clamping Voltage: 220 volts up to 480 volts, depending on the situation
• Joule Rating: 2,000 joules up to 6,000 joules based on how many high-value electronics you have
In special cases, you might even need more than 6,000 joules. This could include running a home business that uses extra electricity, having a fully smart home, or similar situations where you’d need the extra power and protection.
FAQ – Sizing a Whole-Home Surge Protector
Is the joule rating or the clamping voltage more critical?
Both are important. The clamping voltage provides immediate protection while joule rating is an indicator of durability.
How often should I replace my whole-home surge protector?
Generally, every five to 10 years will suffice. You should also replace it after a major surge, such as a lightning strike.
Do I really need to have a professional electrician install one?
Yes, you really do need a pro to do the work for you.
Protect Your Home Today
We serve both Miami, Florida, itself and the surrounding areas. Our experts will help you with installation or upgrade of your whole-home surge protector as well as everything to do with your grounding system.
Schedule a free initial consultation with us today. Remember: Don’t put up with any malarkey! Call Mister Sparky!