What is a Whole House Surge Protector?
A whole house surge protector is a device that protects all the electrical devices in your home from power surges. It is installed at the main electrical panel of your home and acts as the first line of defense against power surges. It works by diverting excess voltage from power surges away from your electrical devices and into the ground.
Why Install a Whole House Surge Protector?
Installing a whole house surge protector can protect your electrical devices from power surges that can cause damage or even destroy them. It can also protect your home’s wiring and electrical system from damage caused by power surges. Additionally, it can save you money in the long run by preventing the need for costly repairs or replacements of damaged electrical devices.
How to Install Whole House Surge Protector?
To install a whole house surge protector, you will need to follow these steps:
Step 1: Turn Off Power to the Electrical Panel
Before you begin, you will need to turn off power to your home’s electrical panel. This is a critical step, as working on the electrical panel while it’s still live can be dangerous or even deadly. To turn off power to the electrical panel, locate the main circuit breaker and switch it off.
Step 2: Locate the Electrical Panel’s Neutral Bus Bar
Once the power is off, locate the electrical panel’s neutral bus bar. It is usually located on the side of the panel opposite the circuit breakers. The neutral bus bar is where the surge protector will be connected.
Step 3: Mount the Surge Protector
Mount the surge protector to the electrical panel’s housing using the provided screws. Make sure to mount it in a location that is easily accessible and won’t interfere with the panel’s circuit breakers or wiring.
Step 4: Connect the Surge Protector’s Wires to the Electrical Panel’s Neutral Bus Bar
Once the surge protector is mounted, connect its wires to the electrical panel’s neutral bus bar. The surge protector will have two wires, one black and one white. Connect the black wire to the bus bar’s hot terminal and the white wire to the bus bar’s neutral terminal.
Step 5: Connect the Surge Protector’s Ground Wire to the Electrical Panel’s Ground Bus Bar
Connect the surge protector’s ground wire to the electrical panel’s ground bus bar. The ground wire is usually green or bare copper and should be connected to the ground terminal on the bus bar.
Step 6: Turn On Power to the Electrical Panel
Once all the connections are made, turn the power back on to the electrical panel. Check the surge protector’s indicator light to ensure it’s working correctly.
FAQs
Q: Can I install a whole house surge protector myself?
A: Yes, you can install a whole house surge protector yourself, but it’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take all necessary safety precautions.
Q: Can a whole house surge protector protect against lightning strikes?
A: While a whole house surge protector can protect against power surges, it may not be enough to protect against lightning strikes. Lightning strikes can produce extremely high voltage and current that can damage or destroy electrical devices, even with a surge protector in place.
Q: How often do I need to replace a whole house surge protector?
A: Whole house surge protectors can last anywhere from 5 to 20 years, depending on the model and usage. It’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for replacement to ensure your home’s electrical devices are adequately protected.
Conclusion
Installing a whole house surge protector can protect your home’s electrical devices from power surges that can cause damage or destroy them. It’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take all necessary safety precautions when installing a surge protector. Additionally, it’s crucial to replace the surge protector according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure your home’s electrical devices are adequately protected.