Have you ever had a power surge in your home that caused an appliance or device to stop working? If so, you know how important it is to install the right electrical system protection devices.
An electrical contractor can install several different devices in your home to help protect your electrical system from damage. Take a closer look at three of these devices and how they work.
Surge Protectors
Surge protectors are one of the most common electrical system protection devices. They are designed to protect your electronics from sudden spikes in electricity caused by lightning strikes, downed power lines, or other unexpected sources.
A surge protector looks like a power strip with several outlets, but it works differently. It is designed to redirect any excess electricity away from the connected device and instead into the ground, reducing any potential damage caused by the surge.
Surge protectors come with different levels of protection, so make sure you get one that meets the needs of your home and its appliances. The protection levels are based on the clamping voltage and lettered from lowest to highest (from Type 1 to Type 3).
Circuit Breakers
Circuit breakers play a crucial role in safeguarding your home's electrical system. These devices monitor the amount of electricity running through each circuit within your home and will automatically shut down if it detects an overload or short circuit. This prevents surges and other power problems from causing damage to any other connected appliances and electronics.
Circuit breakers look like large switches with a handle and are grouped together in one area of the home, usually near the main electrical panel. They will shut off automatically if they detect an overload or short circuit, but they can also be manually shut off if needed.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)
Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are another type of electrical system protection device that can be installed in homes with wet areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.
GFCIs detect when there is a difference between the hot and neutral wires in an outlet and will shut off the power before it can cause any harm or damage. This is especially important for preventing electrocutions due to faulty wiring or water contact with exposed outlets and wires.
The hot wire carries the electricity to the outlet, while the neutral wire returns it to the power source. If a difference is detected, it could mean that electricity is flowing out of the circuit, which can be dangerous. The GFCI will shut off the power before any harm can be done.
For more info, contact a local company like T & T Electric Inc.