Dispatch online Casabot answered 84 after-hours calls last night
ThreeAAA Casabot

Electrical · Sourced answer

Is a whole-house surge protector worth installing?

Consumers ask how panel-mounted surge protectors protect sensitive smart appliances compared to point-of-use power strips.

The answer

Yes. Up to 80% of surges originate internally from cycling motors. Type 1/Type 2 panel-mounted SPDs divert high-voltage spikes to ground, protecting all hardwired appliances, while Type 3 plug-in strips protect fine electronics. NEC 230.67 mandates Type 1/2 SPDs on all new and upgraded residential services.

Sources

This answer is drawn from the standards and guidance below. It is general information about how these systems work — not a diagnosis of your property.

  1. ESFI Surge Protective Devices
  2. NFPA Electrical Surge Protection Research