Ask about a coordinated approach to surge protection, equipment suitability and installation requirements.
What a surge protector does
A surge is a brief voltage disturbance that can damage equipment. A surge protective device limits certain transient overvoltages. Devices installed at service or distribution equipment and point-of-use protectors serve different positions in a protection strategy. Electrical Safety Foundation: home safety ↗
A surge protector does not provide backup power. It also does not solve sustained voltage problems, loose connections or overloaded circuits. Recurring power fluctuations call for evaluation of the cause.
What “whole house” does not promise
The term does not guarantee that every appliance will survive every event. Performance depends on the installation, the electrical system and the event. Ask what the manufacturer’s warranty covers, what exclusions apply and how a claim would be handled.
Some devices have status indicators and replacement requirements. Ask how you will know the unit is no longer protecting and who should replace it.
Include it in a panel discussion
During a panel or service project, ask the electrician what surge protection is required for the scope under the adopted code and what additional protection is sensible for sensitive equipment. The local code resource links to City requirements.
Do not install a panel-mounted device yourself. Ask for the model, intended location, permit treatment and warranty in the written proposal.
Compare the full scope
- Exact device model and suitability for the electrical system.
- Installation and any associated panel work.
- Status indication, maintenance and replacement guidance.
- Equipment warranty versus any separate connected-equipment coverage.
- Optional point-of-use protection and what it adds.