29
Aug

Whole-House Power Surge Protector

By : Editorial
Home Safety

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Whole-House Surge Protector

Guards Against Power Surges Caused By Nearby Lightning Strikes

lightning bolt

Image Source: Pixabay.com

This article details how a Whole-House Surge Protector guards against External Power Surges (entering the home from outside) AND Internal Power Surges (originating inside the home).

Al’s Plumbing, In Plano Texas, Provides Full-Service Plumbing; Maintenance, Repairs, and Replacements For Every Plumbing Component In Your Home. Al’s sells and installs gas and electric water heaters. Al’s is near your home in; Plano, TX; Allen, TX; Frisco, TX; and McKinney, Texas. We service all homes in southern Collin County, TX, and northeastern Dallas County, TX with no additional travel charges.

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We will arrange an appointment at your convenience.

What’s The Difference Between A Direct Lighting Strike and An Indirect Lighting Damage?

Direct Lightning Strike Defined: The location where the lighting strike actually hit.

Indirect Lightning Defined: Direct lightning struck somewhere nearby — and caused damage at this location.

Indirect Lighting Damage Defined: Is caused by the Power Surge created when lighting (directly) struck at a nearby location.

The (electrical) Power Surge that’s created by a direct lightning strike — moves outward from the strike point and into nearby objects. While the power surge searches for the fastest path into the earth — it often races into nearby power lines, and then into nearby homes. The Indirect Lighting Power Surge Size Is Affected By: 1. The strength of the direct lightning strike. + How Far Away that direct lighting strike was.

Once Inside The House, The Power Surge Continues Searching For The Fastest Path Into The Earth. The Power Surge can travel along anything that conducts electricity. It’s even known to jump from one path to another path — that can carry the electricity faster. In addition to electrical wires — the power surge can travel along; cable TV wires, phone wires, water pipes, and gas lines.

Source: National Lighting Safety Institute, a Denver-based group.

Source: https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-power#

Links To Additional Resources

1. Click Below To Read Our Article About Protecting Your Home From A Direct Lighting Strike:

AlsPlumbing.com Direct Lighting Strike Protection For Your Home

2. Click Below To Read Our SAFETY-ALERT

About Protecting CSST Flexible Gas Lines From Lighting Strikes:

AlsPlumbing.com CSST Gas Lines & Lighting Strike — SAFETY ALERT

Image Source: Amazon.com Link

SHOWN: Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST) Flexible Gas Lines —

CSST MUST BE BONDED (grounded) — So They Don’t Conduct Lighting Strike Energy.

IF UNBONDED (ungrounded) — Many CSST Gas Lines have formed holes Due To A Lightning Strike (allowing gas to escape).

3. Click Below To See A Lighting Strikes Activity MAP:

Lightning Strikes Activity Map (Page 6)

(If Link Doesn’t Work, Copy This Into Your Browser https://www.vaisala.com/sites/default/files/documents/WEA-MET-Annual-Lightning-Report-2020-B212260EN-A.pdf)

How An Indirect Lightning Strike’s Power Surge May Destroy Home Wiring + Everything That’s Connected

Indirect Lighting Power Surge’s Size is affected by: 1. The strength of the direct lightning strike + 2. How far away the direct lighting strike was. It’s 2,000 times more likely that indirect lightning power surge damage will occur — as compared to direct lightning strike damage. **

** Source: The National Lighting Safety Institute, Denver, CO.

photo of circuit breaker panel

Image Source: CanStockPhoto

The strength of a lighting strike varies. A typical lightning flash is around 30,000 Amps. One famous lightning strike, just before the Apollo 15 launch in 1971, was measured at 100,000 amperes. Indirect lighting power surge depends on: 1. How strong the direct lighting was. 2. How far away the direct lighting strike was located.

Indirect Lightning Damage — Is The Power Surge (up to 30,000 Amps) Into A Home’s Electrical System — that was created when lighting directly struck somewhere else. Home Electrical Wiring Is Rated From 15 Amps (for an individual circuit) Up To 100-200 Amps (for the entire home). Indirect lighting power surge — may destroy the home’s wiring, and possibly set the wiring on fire.

A power surge that’s powerful enough — can jump over the gap (created by on/off switches). Electronics (like computers & TVs) are what most people think of, as easily damaged by a power surge. Today’s; HVAC Systems, Home Appliances, and Smart Devices (like Amazon Alexa) — also have circuit boards similar to a computer’s.

Sources:

https: weather.gov
hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/lightning2.html
https://www.thespruce.com/common-electrical-codes-by-room-1152276

Here’s A Real-World Example

Within A Row Of “Row-Homes” (attached on 1 or both sides):

A house was directly struck by lightning. All electrical devices were destroyed + the house had to be rewired (Direct Lighting Strike).

1 House Away (next door): Lost all electronic equipment. Non-electronic devices were protected by their on/off switch. (InDirect Lighting Power Surge Damage).

2 Houses Away: The Internet connection line & modem were damaged. (InDirect Lighting Power Surge Damage).

3 Houses Away — no damage.

Source: https://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/367926/automatic-cut-mains-power-on-a-thunderstorm

TIP: Without A Whole-House Surge Protector — These Steps Provide Some Protection

1. Turn The Main Circuit Breaker Off. For a power surge created by a lightning strike that’s farther away — turning the main breaker off will likely protect the home’s wiring and what’s connected. A very close strike may be powerful enough to jump the gap of circuit breaker that’s shut off.

2. Unplug Connected Devices. Unplugging a device will protect it from indirect lightning power surge damage. The home’s wiring remains unprotected.

Source: Restoration & Remediation Magazine https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/88986-how-lighting-strikes-effect-consumer-devices

A Whole-House Surge Protector Protects A Home From InDirect Lightning Power Surge Damage

Image Source: Amazon.com Embedded Link

Shown: A Whole-House Surge Protector (details later in this article)

The Most Common Causes Of External Power Surges (coming into the home from outdoors):

Downed Power Wires (typically due to strong wind)

Restored Power After A Blackout. One second the wires are carrying no electricity. A second later they are carrying full voltage.

Lightning Strike.

Electricity Distribution Equipment. This can be due to faulty equipment OR it’s sometimes caused by properly functioning equipment.

This YouTube Video Shows Electricity-Distribution Equipment Causing A Power Surge.

Image Source: YouTube Embedded Video

The Most Common Causes Of External Power Surges (continued):

If Anything Touches Power Wires. This causes a short-circuit.
Electricity follows the shortest path. If a new & shorter path is created — the electricity will flow there instead (hence the term: short circuit).

This YouTube Video Shows Short-Circuit In Power Lines — Caused By A Tree Limb

Image Source: YouTube Embedded Video

On Aug. 14, 2003 — Up to 50 Million People Were Without Electricity During The Worst/Largest Blackout In U.S. History.

It began when 1 Power Line Torched A Tree.

The weather was very hot. High electricity flow caused power wires to sag — until 1 touched a tree in Ohio (causing a short-circuit).
The system shut power off to that line. That electricity was routed into nearby power lines.
This caused additional power wires to sag — until 3 more power lines touched trees. Those lines were shut off too.

With 4 power lines out of service — electricity supply became too high.
Excess electricity supply was supposed to sound alarms. The power company’s alarms did not sound (due to a software bug).
In response, a nearby power plant went offline.

WHY? Electricity Supply & Demand Must Always Be Balanced.
If there’s too much electricity supply — the system takes generators offline (to decrease electricity supply – to match current demand).
If there’s too much electricity demand — the system adds generators online (to increase electricity supply – to match current demand).

Excess electricity supply continued to cause more & more generators to shut down. Eventually, 508 generators at 265 power plants shut down & went offline.
This continued until the entire (interconnected) power-grid went dark.

An investigation traced the problem to Ohio Company FirstEnergy Corporation. This company was not trimming trees near & under power lines.
This blackout began when 1 power line touched an overgrown tree.

Source: https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/blackout-hits-northeast-united-states

All These Protections Are Provided By A Whole-House Surge Protector

Protects from External (power surges coming into the home from outdoors).

Protects from Large Internal Power Surges (coming from inside the home).
Large internal power surges can occur when a very high-demand (240-volt) electrical device turns off.
These Devices Include; electric furnace, central a/c, electric water heater, electric dryer, electric range, electric oven, electric pool heater & some large pool pumps (+ others).

Protects from Medium-Sized Internal Power Surges (coming from inside the home).
Medium internal power surges can occur when a high-demand (120-volt) electrical device turns off.
These Devices Include; hair dryer, microwave oven, washer, small portable electric heaters, and window a/c (+ others).

NOTE: For Protection From Small Internal Power Surges — you also need Plug-In Surge Protectors.

This Video Describes Why A Whole-House Surge Protector Is Needed

TIP: This Video Tells You Everything Need To Know About Whole-House Surge Protectors.

TIPS: About The Devices Discussed In The Video:

Type-1 Whole-House Surge Protectors — are installed mostly in Florida and along the Gulf of Mexico coastline.
WHY? Lighting strike activity is higher near large bodies of water.

Type-2 Whole-House Surge Protectors are used at all other locations.

Click Here To See A Type-1 Surge Protector: Type 1 Surge Protector (Scroll Down For Photo)

(If Link Doesn’t Work — Copy This In Your Browser: https://kbelectricpa.com/whole-house-surge-protection-type-1-meter-based-surge-protector/)

Surge Protector Outlets are typically installed by an electrician — and must be replaced periodically (they wear out).
The same protection is provided by a Plug-In Surge Protector — at a fraction of the cost.

Type-2 Whole-House Surge Protector — Installation

Note: We Recommend A Whole-House Surge Protector Be Installed By An Electrician.

Type-2 Surge Protectors are installed in most areas of the U.S.
It’s installed between where electricity enters the home — and the Circuit Breakers’ Panel.
TIP: This location allows the Surge Protector to divert a Power Surge — before it can enter the Circuit Breakers Panel.

It’s also connected to the home’s electrical service’s ground wire.
It requires a separate & dedicated circuit breaker.

A Whole-House Surge Protector’s Kiloamps Rating — indicates the Largest Power Surge the protector can guard against.

In 2020, The National Electric Code (NEC) Began Requiring A Whole-House Surge Protector Be Installed In Newly-Built & Renovated Homes.

Most States Base Their Building Codes On The National Electric Code (NEC).

The Family Handyman Magazine

Recommends This **Intermatic (brand) IG2240-IMSK (model) Whole-House Surge Protector**

Consumers Reports Rates This Intermatic Unit 9.5 /10 (out of 10).

Image Source: Amazon.com Embedded Link

SHOWN: Intermatic Whole House Surge Protector — Rated At 50 KiloAmps (50,000 Amps / 50 kA).

This Old House Recommends (a minimum) 40 kiloamps. The Family Handyman Magazine Recommends (a minimum) 50 kiloamps.

Image Source: Amazon.com Embedded Link

SHOWN: Intermatic Whole-House Protector FEATURING Replaceable Electrical Modules (versus replacing the entire unit). 3 Modules Are Included.

Rated At 50 KiloAmps (50,000 Amps / 50 kA).

Click On Image To: View Product, Read Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com

This Intermatic Whole House Surge Protector’s FEATURES:

50 KiloAmp (50,000 Amps) Surge Protection.
Typical lighting strikes have 5,000 — 20,000 amps.

This Old House Recommends 40 kiloamps.
The Family Handyman Magazine Recommends 50 kiloamps.

Source: https://www.aerisweather.com/blog/2018/06/06/harnessing-the-power-of-lightning-strikes/#

120-Volt & 240-Volt Electricity is supplied to homes.
This Surge Protector operates up to 300 Volts.

Surge Protector Warranty: 10-Year Warranty (except replaceable modules). Replaceable Modules — 3-year warranty.
$50,000 Connected-Equipment Warranty: 10 Years (for appliances & electronics).

Source: (National Electrical Manufactures Association / NEMA) https://www.nemaarresters.org/understanding-arrester-datasheet/

Includes 3 Electrical Modules — each with LED Power & Protection Status LED lights
A blue light indicates the unit is ON. A green light indicates Surge Protection is on.
Designed to be installed BETWEEN where electricity comes into the house AND the Circuit Breakers Panel.
This stops a Power Surge before it enters the Circuit Breakers Panel.

UL Listed to ANSI/UL 1449 3rd edition.

6 Modes of Protection * **
Line 1 TO Both Neutral & Ground Wires. * **
Line 2 TO Both Neutral & Ground Wires. * **
Neutral TO Ground wires. * **
Line 1 TO Line 2

TIPS:

* Neutral Wires — provide a path for used electricity — to return to the electrical transformer outdoors.
** Ground Wires — provide a path for ALL electrical current — to head into the earth.
This protects users from severe electrical shock.

If a Short-Circuit occurs:

The ground wire diverts ALL electricity into the earth near the home.
This causes the circuit breaker to trip — turning off ALL electricity (to that circuit).

Note: People can become part of a short-circuit.

Image Source: Amazon.com Embedded Link

SHOWN: Intermatic IModule™ Replacement Electrical Module

Click On Image To: View Product, Read Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com

Sources:

https://www.thisoldhouse.com/electrical/21194149/how-effective-are-surge-protectors
https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/power-surge-protect-all-your-electronics/
https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/intermatic-whole-house-surge-protection/#
https://top10best.how/whole-house-surge-protector?utm_source (subscription required).
https://www.intermatic.com

This YouTube Video Details This Intermatic Whole-House Surge Protector

Image Source: YouTube Embedded Video Link

**This Intermatic Power Surge Protector Has Replaceable Electrical Modules**

WHY This Is A Great Feature

TIP: Replacement Modules cost about $55 at Home Depot.

Each Time A Power Surge Occurs:

For small power surges: A Whole-House Surge Protector’s Internal Components (called: “metal oxide varistors”) — absorb small power surges.
For larger power surges: The internal components divert excess current into the ground wire.

Over Time:

All Surge Protectors’ internal components wear out and stop working (because they’ve stopped many power surges).
Then the Surge Protector stops providing protection.
With Most Whole-House Surge Protectors — the entire unit is replaced when the Internal Components/Electrical Modules wear out.

This Intermatic Ssytem has Replaceable Modules.

TIP: The Homeowner Can Replace The Modules — No Electrician Required. Electricity Shut Off Switches are provided — beside the replaceable modules (shown just below),

This YouTube Video Shows How To Replace The Electrical Modules

Image Source: YouTube Embedded Video Link

TIP: Replacement Modules cost about $55 at Home Depot.

Plug-In / Type 3 Power Surge Protectors

Image Source: Amazon.com embedded link

Shown: Tripp Lite Brand Plug In / Type 3 Surge Protector

This website earns from qualifying purchases.

Plug-In / Type 3 Surge Protector — What It Does & Where It’s Needed

Plug-In Surge Protectors don’t absorb voltage (like a Whole-House Surge Protector can). When Voltage Rises Above Acceptable — a Plug-In Surge Protector diverts the excess voltage into the electrical outlet’s ground wire. The ground wire takes the excess voltage away. The Joule rating is the maximum power surge wattage a Plug-In Surge Protector MOV can take (from a single surge) without failing.

Plug-In Surge Protectors don’t provide protection from lightning strike power surges. That requires a Whole-House Surge Protector.
An average lightning strike has around 1,000,000,000 (1 billion) joules of energy.
The highest Plug-in Surge Protector’s Joules rating is around 4,300 (4,300 watts).
The Joule rating is the maximum power surge wattage a Plug-In Surge Protector can handle (from a single surge) without failing.

Plug-In Power Surge Protectors don’t absorb voltage (like a Whole-House Surge Protector can).
Their internal components — only divert extra voltage into the ground wire.

Plug-In Surge Protectors — protect electrical devices from Small & Recurring Internal Power Surges (coming from inside the home).
Plug-In Surge Protectors are required for much more than just electronics.
They’re needed for both countertop & major appliances.
Plus — anything with a digital display. If it has a digital display — it has sensitive electronics.

Source: https://blog.tripplite.com/what-are-surge-protector-joules-and-how-many-do-i-need

Plug-In Surge Protectors are rated in Joules (1 Joule = 1 watt).

A surge protector’s Joule Rating indicates = the total wattage the surge protector can absorb without failing.
The higher a Plug-In Surge Protector’s Joules — the higher level of protection it provides.

1 Joule = 1 Watt (during 1 second in time).
Example: A 60-watt light bulb = 60 Joules.

A Guide To How Many Joules You Need:

The higher the (protected) device’s value — the higher the Joules rating should be.

Needed Features:

LED lights indicating the Surge Protection is working.
Auto-Disconnect — when the Surge Protector fails or wears out. This ensures what’s plugged into it is never without protection.

Plug-In Surge Protectors’ Warranties:

The Surge Protect’s (product) warranty.
Connected-Equipment Insurance

Source: https://assets.tripplite.com/white-paper/how-to-choose-the-right-surge-protector-white-paper-en.pdf

We Recommend Tripp Lite (brand) Surge Protectors

Tripp Lite Brand Features:xxxxxxxxx

Each comes with a Connected Devices Warranty.
This would pay the owner if their Tripp Lite protector allowed a damaging power surge through.
The warranty coverage increases with increasing Joules protection and price increases.

An Indicator Light shows that it’s protecting the devices plugged into it.
Shut-Down Protection. If it becomes compromised — it automatically disconnects from the power supply.

The Joule rating is the maximum power surge wattage a Plug-In Surge Protector can handle (from a single surge) without failing.