Moderate Risk

Frequent Power Surges

Frequent power surges can damage your electronics and appliances. They're usually caused by utility issues, faulty wiring, or large appliances cycling on/off. A whole-house surge protector ($300–$600 installed) is the best defense.

Power surges are sudden, brief spikes in voltage that can damage sensitive electronics, shorten appliance lifespans, and indicate underlying electrical problems. While most surges are small and go unnoticed, frequent or large surges can destroy computers, TVs, and appliances.

At Ergon Electric, we recommend whole-house surge protection for every Connecticut home. A whole-house surge protector installs at your electrical panel and protects every circuit in your home from both external surges (lightning, utility switching) and internal surges (HVAC compressors, motors).

Possible Causes

Utility grid switching

Common

The power company switching load between circuits can cause voltage spikes that reach your home.

Large appliance cycling

Common

HVAC compressors, refrigerators, and dryers draw large startup current that can cause brief surges.

Lightning strikes

Seasonal

Direct or nearby lightning strikes can send massive surges through power lines.

Faulty wiring

Moderate

Damaged or deteriorating wiring can allow transient voltage spikes.

Undersized panel

Moderate

An overloaded electrical system is more susceptible to voltage fluctuations.

What You Can Check

1Note when surges occur — do they correlate with specific appliance usage?

2Check if neighbors experience similar surges (utility issue)

3Look for signs of surge damage: flickering lights, resetting clocks, device malfunctions

4Check if your power strip surge protectors show damage indicators

5Have a licensed electrician assess your panel and wiring

Call a Pro When You See

Surges occur frequently (multiple times per week)

Electronics or appliances are being damaged

Surges are accompanied by flickering lights

You don't have whole-house surge protection

Your home has older wiring or an undersized panel

Get a Free Diagnosis (203) 945-7181

Safety Warnings

Power strip surge protectors provide limited protection — they don't replace whole-house protection

Don't plug sensitive electronics directly into wall outlets without surge protection

Surge protectors wear out — replace power strip protectors every 3–5 years

Typical Cost

$300–$600 for whole-house surge protector installation. $150–$300 for diagnostic if wiring issues are suspected.

Get Your Free Estimate

Related Services

Panel Upgrades & Replacement

From $1,500

Residential Electrical Service

From $150

Frequently Asked Questions

A whole-house surge protector installed at your electrical panel provides the best protection. It costs $300–$600 installed and protects every circuit in your home.

They provide limited protection for the devices plugged into them, but they can't handle large surges and don't protect hardwired appliances. Use them in addition to whole-house protection, not instead of it.

Yes. Repeated surges degrade electronics and shorten appliance lifespans. A single large surge can destroy computers, TVs, and other sensitive equipment instantly.

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