Where surges come from
A surge is a brief spike in voltage, lasting microseconds. In Central Texas the big ones come from lightning striking near power lines, cable and phone lines, and from the utility switching circuits during storms. Smaller surges happen inside your home every day when motors in your AC, fridge and pool pump cycle on and off.
Type 1, Type 2, Type 3
- Type 1 mounts at the meter or service entrance and takes the hardest hits coming in from outside.
- Type 2 mounts in or beside your breaker panel and protects every branch circuit. This is what most people mean by a "whole-house surge protector."
- Type 3 is point-of-use: quality surge strips for TVs, computers and networking gear.
The best protection layers all three, with good grounding underneath.
What it protects
HVAC control boards and variable-speed compressors, refrigerators, washers and dryers, garage door openers, pool and spa equipment, smart thermostats, lighting dimmers and every outlet in the house. These are hard-wired or hard to protect with a power strip.
What it doesn't
A direct strike to your home carries far more energy than any panel device can handle. Homes on ridgelines or open acreage should consider a full lightning protection and grounding plan.
Cost and install
A quality Type 2 protector is typically $450–$650 installed; two-stage Type 1 + Type 2 runs $750–$950. Installation takes 1–2 hours. Our Surge Shield plan includes one after 12 months of membership.