Surge Protection

Look that is UL 1449 Listed. This indicates the device conforms to the Underwriter Laboratory’s standards. (UL listing as a “power tap” is not sufficient)

When it comes to electricity, fluctuations in the power supply are simply unavoidable. About 80% of all power surges are created by electronic equipment inside your home (refrigerators, furnaces motors, power tools) because these devices use a lot of energy to turn on and off, diverting power from other appliances as motors start up or shut down.

OPALCO members are responsible for protecting their own equipment and appliances (see Member Service Policy 3.2.2).

OPALCO power is carefully monitored. Still, the first line of defense against damage from power fluctuations from outside or inside of your home is prevention. Surge protectors are recommended for all sensitive electronic equipment and appliances.

Now that microprocessors are common to more and more electronic devices, everything from washing machines and refrigerators to computers, phones, and of course, televisions, more of your electronics are vulnerable to fluctuations in power. The electronic “rust” that comes from low-level power fluctuations gradually degrades internal circuitry until the circuitry fails.

Installing a surge protector at your electrical service panel gives all your equipment a good degree of protection. Generally, whole-house surge protection is adequate for hardwired appliances like your wash machine, refrigerator or water heater. It may not protect sensitive electrical equipment (use a surge protector strip) and will need to be installed by a licensed electrician. A combination of the two will give close to 100 percent protection from most power disturbances.

It can’t protect you from power outages, black outs or brown outs. It can’t protect your equipment from nearby lightning strikes.