Whole House Surge Protection, Toronto

The need for effective whole house surge protection has never been more important than it is now. Power surges, which are random electrical disturbances, happen when the voltage needed to power a home or device exceeds the normal flow of electricity. Although they are temporary, they can cause lasting and significant damage.

Intense weather patterns are some of the leading external causes for power surges in homes. In recent years, the GTA has been especially prone to these, as just in 2013, a severe ice storm left thousands without power in Toronto. According to Environment Canada, the average number of thunderstorm days that cause lightning in the city of Toronto is around 40 days per year. These lightning strikes contribute hugely to the number of annual external power surges, as lightning does not even need to directly strike a house to cause damage — nearby strikes can send intense surges through adjacent power lines that eventually reach the home.

In addition to weather conditions being responsible for these power surges, homeowners in Toronto are seeing an increased use of electronic devices and appliances (such as computers, heaters, air conditioners, etc.). Along with their increased use comes the constant need to turn these devices on and off (or sometimes they may even cycle on and off on a schedule), which create small, low-power surges. This cycling throughout the day is responsible for nearly 80% of all internal power surges, and although they may seem harmless, they have been shown to threaten the lifetime performance of your electronic devices.

Other factors for power surges include when utility companies experience equipment failures, or other events that cause electric poles to be knocked down or power lines to be damaged (such as high winds, car crashes, construction machines, or fallen trees).

So why exactly are power surges so hazardous? All it takes is one surge and all of the electrical equipment in your house can go down like that. Low-power surges can lead to damaged appliances, amounting over time to costly replacements that seem to have ‘suddenly’ stopped working. Devices such as your computer or your home entertainment system are highly sensitive to voltage fluctuations, and without the proper protection, these devices are prone to damage.

At worst, surges can also pose a serious risk to safety. High-energy power surges can lead to disastrous consequences, such as house fires that end up causing thousands of dollars in property damage. Just in 2019, a transformer exploded in Acton, Ontario (the Georgetown area) and caused a massive power surge. This power surge led to 23 emergency fire calls, and two of those house fires ended in permanent structural damage to their properties.

You pay too much on your mortgage to risk it. Surge protection can help reduce the risk of damage to connected equipment. No surge-protection system eliminates every risk; we explain suitable options and limitations. To protect your home and your property, have whole house surge protection installed.

Contact MADE ELECTRIC for more information, to learn more about essential surge protection, and to inquire about having whole house surge protection installed in your home! We operate within the GTA to ensure that your home is safe.