An urge for surge protection – SPDs
Type 2 surge protectors, also known as “whole-house surge protectors,” are designed to protect your home’s electrical systems from power surges that occur outside your home. These surges can be caused by lightning strikes, power outages, grid fluctuations and large appliances cycling in the home.
Type 2 surge protectors work by diverting excess voltage and current away from your home’s electrical systems and into the ground. They are typically installed at the main electrical panel, where they intercept the surge before it enters your home’s wiring.
When a power surge is detected, the surge protector reacts by shunting the excess voltage to the ground. The surge protector contains a metal oxide varistor (MOV), which is a component that is designed to absorb the excess voltage. Once the MOV absorbs the voltage, it becomes conductive and shunts the excess voltage to the ground, protecting your home’s electrical systems.
Type 2 surge protectors are highly recommended for all homes and are required on new homes, as they provide an extra layer of protection against power surges that can cause damage to your appliances, electronics, and electrical systems. It is important to note that even with a surge protector, it is still possible for some surges to get through and cause damage, so it is important to unplug sensitive electronics during severe storms or power outages to be extra cautious.
Surge Protectors – What they are, How they work (YouTube video)
If you find any errors or have additional information that would expand on any code, building standards or manufacturer requirements please let me know.
NCW Home Inspections, LLC is a Licensed Washington State Home Inspection service located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Oroville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more…
Your Wenatchee and Chelan Professional Real Estate, Home and Structural Pest Inspection Service
Coordinator & Instructor- Fundamentals of Home Inspection- Bellingham Technical College
Former WA Home Inspector Advisory Licensing Board
www.ncwhomeinspections.com 509-670-9572
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