Surge Protection for $6 A Month

A power surge is an unexpected increase in voltage. Regardless of the cause, power surges can damage electronics in your home.

Benton REA offers surge protection at your electric meter for only $6 a month. But first, let’s look at common causes of power surges and how you can protect your sensitive electronics.

One of the most common causes of a power surge is lightning. When lightning strikes an electrical system, the excess current must be channeled somewhere—unfortunately in many cases, it’s sent through a home. Your best bet is to unplug all unused devices and electronics during lightning storms before this happens.

Electrical overload is another common cause of power surges. This happens when devices or appliances are plugged into an outlet that cannot handle the required amount of voltage, or when multiple devices are plugged into one outlet through an extension cord. If you experience power surges due to electrical overload, call a qualified electrician to evaluate your home’s circuits and electrical needs.

Faulty wiring in a home can also cause power surges. Damaged or exposed wires can cause spikes in voltage, creating potentially dangerous situations. If you notice visible burns on outlets, buzzing sounds from outlets or frequently tripped circuit breakers, your home may be due for electrical wiring repairs and updates.

Surges can also occur after a power outage. When electricity is being restored and reconnected, it’s common to experience a quick surge in current. Similar to advice for a surge caused by lightning, it’s best to unplug sensitive electronics during the outage, then wait to plug them back in after power is fully restored.

Aside from unplugging devices when you suspect a power surge, here are three ways you can take additional precautions to protect electronics in your home.

1. Point-of-use surge protection can protect electronics during most surges. Remember, not all power strips include surge protection, so read the packaging label carefully before you buy. Don’t overload the power strip with too many devices.
2. Install specialized electrical surge protection. Talk to a trusted electrician to learn more.
3. Another option is a whole-home surge protector, which can help protect your home from larger, more powerful surges. 

For $6 a month, Benton REA will install as surge protection device at your your electric meter that will protect your appliances and electronics from surges through the electric power lines. This surge protection device will not protect against surges that come through other lines such as phone or cable. You may also want point-of-use surge protection devices on equipment connected to other lines.

Occasional power surges are inevitable. Unplugging devices when you think a surge may occur and using power strips or whole-home suppressors can better safeguard your sensitive electronics and devices.

Contact Benton REA at 509-786-8265 if you want to protect your home from power surges.