Florida is often called the lightning capital of the United States, and South Florida's summer storms make power surges a regular risk. Surges can come from nearby lightning, from the utility switching loads, or from large appliances inside your own home.
What a surge does
A surge is a brief spike in voltage. Big ones can destroy equipment instantly; smaller, repeated surges wear down the electronics inside HVAC systems, pool pumps, appliances, TVs and computers over time.
How whole-home surge protection works
A surge protective device (SPD) is installed at or next to your electrical panel. When voltage spikes, it diverts the excess energy to ground before it travels through your home's circuits. Think of it as the first layer of protection:
- Whole-home SPD at the panel — protects hard-wired equipment like AC units, pool equipment, water heaters and appliances.
- Point-of-use surge strips — a second layer for sensitive electronics such as computers and TVs.
What it can't do
No surge protector can guarantee protection from a direct lightning strike to your home. Surge protection greatly reduces risk from the far more common indirect surges, and it works best with a properly grounded and bonded electrical system.
The code now requires it in many cases
Newer editions of the National Electrical Code require surge protection when the electrical service to a home is installed or replaced. That's why we include an SPD in many panel upgrades — and why it's a smart addition to any older home.
Signs you should add protection
- You've lost electronics or appliance control boards after storms
- Your home has expensive HVAC, pool or smart-home equipment
- You're upgrading your panel or adding an EV charger or generator
Xlectrical installs whole-home surge protection across Sunrise, Fort Lauderdale and Broward County. Call 754-289-8993 or schedule an installation.
Safety note: this guide is general information, not a substitute for an on-site evaluation. Electrical work should be performed by a licensed electrician.
