Have you ever noticed your lights flicker during a storm or when a large appliance kicks in? That’s not just a glitch — it could be the sign of an electrical surge. And while it may seem minor, these sudden voltage spikes can cause serious damage to your home’s electronics and even pose safety risks.
At FTJA Electric Company, we believe that protection starts with prevention. Let's dive into what electrical surges are, how they affect your home, and what you can do to stay safe.
⚡ 1. What is an Electrical Surge?
An electrical surge is a brief spike in voltage that travels through your electrical system. Think of it as a sudden “rush” of electricity that overwhelms your wiring. This can happen for a few common reasons:
- Lightning strikes (even if they don’t hit your house directly)
- Downed power lines or accidents in the grid
- High-powered appliances turning on/off (like AC units or refrigerators)
- Issues from the power company during load switching or maintenance
🔍 DID YOU KNOW? A lightning bolt can carry up to 1 billion volts of electricity. Even if a surge from lightning is brief, it can fry every unprotected device in your home — in milliseconds.
🔌 2. How Do Surge Protectors Work?
Surge protectors act like bodyguards for your electronics. When there's a spike in voltage, they redirect or absorb the excess electricity, preventing it from reaching your valuable devices.
There are two types of surge protection most homeowners recognize:
Plug-in Surge Protectors: These look like power strips and are common for TVs, computers, and gaming consoles. But they only protect what’s plugged directly into them.
Whole-House Surge Protectors: Installed directly at your main electrical panel, these provide defense for everything in your home, including hardwired systems like HVAC, ovens, and smart appliances.
💡 Pro Tip from FTJA: Not all power strips are surge protectors! Always look for a UL 1449 rating to confirm it’s designed to block surges.
🏠 3. Why You Should Consider Whole-House Surge Protection
More homes today are packed with sensitive electronics — from flat-screen TVs and laptops to smart thermostats and security systems. Even your refrigerator or washing machine now contains electronic control boards that are vulnerable to voltage spikes.
That’s why whole-house surge protection isn’t just a luxury anymore — it’s a smart investment in long-term safety and savings. Here's what it helps with:
✅ Prevents expensive damage to electronics
✅ Increases lifespan of major appliances
✅ Reduces fire risk from overloaded circuits
✅ Adds value and protection to your home insurance profile
🏆 At FTJA Electric Company, we install code-compliant, high-performance whole-house surge protectors that keep your family and home secure 24/7 — even when you’re away.
🔧 When Was the Last Time You Checked Your Electrical Panel?
Many homes across Massachusetts still have outdated panels that can’t handle modern demands. Whether you’re in a historic home in Boston or a growing neighborhood in South Shore, it’s worth checking if your system needs an upgrade or surge protection retrofit.
Our team at FTJA is here to help with:
✅ Electrical inspections and diagnostics
✅ Surge protector installation (whole-house and local)
✅ Smart home and clean energy upgrades
✅ Panel upgrades and circuit evaluations
🛡️ Protect Your Home Before the Next Storm Hits
Don't wait for a lightning strike or a blown transformer to take out your devices — or worse. Surge protection is a small investment that can prevent thousands in losses.
📞 Call FTJA Electric Company at (617) 319-7982
🌐 Visit www.ftjaelectriccompany.com to schedule your electrical safety evaluation today.
Because at FTJA, your safety is our priority — and your peace of mind is our mission.
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