AT GENT ELECTRICAL Systems

We bring years of experience in delivering top-tier electrical services across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). One of the essential services we provide is surge protection, ensuring that your home and valuable appliances remain safe from unexpected power fluctuations.

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CHOOSING THE RIGHT SURGE PROTECTOR TO EFFECTIVELY SAFEGUARD YOUR HOME, CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:

Multiple electrical plugs, including green, black, and white, connected to a power strip, indicating heavy usage.

CAPACITY

Ensure the surge protector can handle your household’s power needs.

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CLAMPING VOLTAGE

Lower ratings mean better protection against surges.

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RESPONSE TIME:

Faster response ensures quicker protection against sudden spikes.

White power strip with multiple outlets, a red on/off switch, and a three-prong plug on a wooden surface.

UL CERTIFICATION

Always choose surge protectors that meet safety standards.

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WHY INVEST IN WHOLE-HOME SURGE PROTECTION?

Installing a whole-house surge protector helps prevent costly damages and provides long-term safety for your electrical system. Our expert electricians ensure that your home is equipped with the right protection to withstand sudden voltage spikes, giving you peace of mind.

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UNDERSTANDING POWER SURGES

Power surges happen when there’s a sudden spike in electrical voltage, potentially damaging your home’s electronics and wiring. These surges can be caused by:

✔ Overloaded circuits from multiple devices running at once

✔ External factors like lightning strikes or downed power lines

✔ Electrical grid fluctuations or utility work

While minor surges might only cause a flickering light or a tripped breaker, severe ones can destroy expensive appliances, including TVs, computers, and kitchen equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Why do I need home surge protection?
Surge protection helps keep your home’s electrical system and devices safe from sudden power spikes. These surges can happen due to power outages, lightning strikes, or large appliances cycling on and off. Without protection, surges can damage electronics, appliances, and even cause electrical fires. A surge protector blocks excess voltage, allowing only safe electrical currents to pass through.
Do surge protectors wear out?
Yes, surge protectors don’t last forever. Most have a lifespan of 3 to 5 years, but if your home experiences frequent power outages or brownouts, you may need to replace them every 2 years. Since surge protectors are relatively affordable, it’s a good idea to swap them out regularly to ensure your devices stay protected.
What causes power surges?
Power surges can come from a few different sources, including:
  • Utility company power grid switching
  • Lightning strikes
  • Large appliances, like air conditioners or refrigerators, cycling on and off
A surge protector helps absorb excess energy and safely diverts it away from your devices, reducing the risk of damage. While no device can completely eliminate surge-related damage, having a quality surge protector in place greatly lowers the risk.
Can a surge protector start a fire?
Yes, if a surge protector is damaged or worn out, it can overheat and become a fire hazard. To stay safe:
  • Inspect surge protectors regularly for signs of wear or damage.
  • Replace them if they feel hot, smell burnt, or have frayed wires.
  • Avoid plugging extension cords into surge protectors, as this increases the risk of overheating.
What happens if I overload a surge protector?
Overloading a surge protector or power strip can cause it to overheat and possibly start a fire. Always check the strip’s load capacity before plugging in multiple devices. If you’re unsure, use a different power source or upgrade to a higher-capacity surge protector. Also, regularly inspect power strips for loose connections, frayed wires, or burn marks—if you see any, unplug it immediately and replace it.