Assurance Electrical Services comments on whole house surge protectors for your Prescott home

Are you wondering whether a whole house surge protector is something you need for your home in Prescott? Assurance Electrical Services shares some valuable information to help you decide.

If you ask electricians whether or not a whole house surge protector works, you may get conflicting answers. The reason? A whole house surge protector works on high-voltage surges, but doesn’t stop all surges.

How does it work?
Whole house surge protectors are designed for a specific VPR, or Voltage Protection Rating. There is a maximum amount of voltage that the surge protector will allow, and any voltage higher than the VPR will be “bounced”. Whole home surge protectors help protect in cases of lightning strikes and downed power lines, or even high energy appliances that cycle on and off.

Unfortunately lower voltage surges are allowed through, and some of those voltages may be harmful to your electronics. In order to fully protect your home’s wiring and electrical devices, you should consider a point-of-use surge protector.

Point-of-use
A point-of-use surge protector will absorb excess voltage before it can reach your electronic devices. It plugs directly into the electrical outlet, and your appliance or device is plugged into the surge protector. But point-of-use surge protectors are limited in that they aren’t designed to handle the higher voltages.

What is the answer?
Your best protection would be to have both a whole house surge protector and point-of-use protectors wherever your sensitive electronics are located. Surge protector strips are useful to protect computers, stereos, televisions, and any other sensitive electronics.

Assurance Electrical Services wants to make sure your sensitive electronics, and your home, are protected from surges and other electrical mishaps. For questions about a whole house surge protector for your Prescott home, or any other electrical needs for home or business, call Assurance Electrical Services at 928-713-2177. Learn more at http://www.myprescottelectrician.com.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Prescott Professional Electrician
Commercial/Industrial Electrical Service in Prescott
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Assurance Electrical Services examines types of outlets for electrical upgrades at your Prescott home

If you have just moved into a new home, want to update your current home, or are getting ready to sell your home, you have probably considered updating the electrical outlets. This is a simple and affordable method of giving your home a modern aesthetic. Though it is a small change, this small detail gives your home a fresh look and feel. Assurance Electrical Services examines various types of outlets to upgrade your Prescott home.

GFCI
Most homeowners do not keep up-to-date on building code. You may be aware of GFCI outlets (ground fault circuit interrupter), but did you know they are a requirement in kitchens and bathrooms? The GFCI shuts off power to an outlet if there is a short circuit or ground fault. For example, if you were using an appliance in your kitchen and water spilled on the floor over your feet, a short circuit could allow electricity to pass through you to the floor. The GFCI outlet shuts off power before this can happen thereby protecting you from electrocution.

20 Amp Outlet
There are many appliances that may require additional power. Refrigerators, microwave ovens, and clothes dryers are all examples of power-hogging appliances. Appliances such as these should use an outlet that supplies 20 amps. These outlets provide the necessary power for the appliance without blowing a fuse. One way to recognize a 20 amp fuse is by the notch on the left outlet prong.

Switched Outlets
If you do not want constant power to an outlet, a switched outlet may be the right choice for you. The switched outlet includes a switch and an outlet in the same unit. This allows you to manually turn the power off whenever you may need.

USB and Smart Outlets
Technology is rapidly changing and electrical outlets are being updated to meet the demands of modern homes. USB outlets typically include two USB ports on an outlet between the top and bottom prongs. This gives you the ability to plug in your mobile device or tablet without needing an adaptor.

Another new advancement in outlet technology is the Smart outlet. This outlet gives you the ability to control the power to your outlet from your phone via a wifi connection. A pretty handy feature when you’re away from home.

Regardless of the outlet you choose, it is important to have your electrical system inspected by a licensed professional. Different outlets may have different requirements that need to be met. If you are considering installing new outlets in your Prescott home, call Assurance Electrical Services at  928-713-2177 or visit us online at http://www.myprescottelectrician.com.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Prescott Commercial Electrician
Residential Electrician in Prescott
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