It was on this day, June 10th, 1752, that Benjamin Franklin flew a kite during a thunderstorm, with a key as the metal conductor, and was able to establish and prove the relationship between lightning and electricity.
Understanding the nature of electricity, and the damage it could incur in lightning strikes, Ben Franklin invented the lightning rod to stave off lightning damage and fire to homes and buildings.
While lightning rods are still used today to keep structures safe, surge protection is used as well to protect your valuables inside your home.
As we enter hurricane and summer storm season, we could experience atmospheric instability in these coming months, homeowners should take precaution to protect themselves.
Power surges are short bursts of electricity that are unpredictable and can be a secondary result of a nearby lightening strike. The can destroy expensive and important electronics in the home. Surge suppressors can help minimize or eliminate the damage from power surges.
Guarding against surges requires two approaches: a whole-house suppressor to help with the big, dangerous power strikes and an individual plug in surge suppressor for your most expensive and delicate appliances and electronic devices. Both types regulate the flow of the electrical current. Normally they just sit there, allowing electric current to flow through them. But when higher-than-normal voltage occurs the devices instantly sends the excess voltage to the grounded wire. As soon as voltage levels return to normal, the flow of electricity is restored.
Typically, whole-house suppressors are hard-wired to the service panel, a process that takes a licensed electrician about two hours. Whole-house systems should be rated to stop a 40,000-amp surge, at minimum. Features to look for include thermal fuses, and lights or alarms that indicate when a device has taken a hit. Separate but smaller whole-house units are recommended for the phone and cable lines. These protect telephone, televisions, and modems.
Surge Protection can cost far less than replacing one or many of the items mentioned above. Keep your valuables safe this summer, and call Walter Electric today for an estimate for Surge Protection.