Recommended Upgrades For Your Home Electrical System
In today’s fast-paced world, where technology and standards rapidly evolve, ensuring your home’s electrical system is up-to-date is crucial for safety and efficiency. At Plugged In, we specialize in assessing and upgrading residential electrical systems to meet current standards and enhance your home’s safety and functionality. Here are some key upgrades we recommend:
- Whole-House Surge Protector
A whole-house surge protector is an essential upgrade for any home. But what is a whole-house surge protector? Unlike a standard surge protector power strip you might use for your computer or television, a whole-house surge protector is installed directly into your home’s electrical panel. This device protects against external and internal power surges, protecting your home’s electronics and appliances from damage.
If you are asking, “Why do I need a whole house surge protector?” allow us to explain. Surges can occur from external sources like lightning strikes or internal sources like cycling air conditioners or refrigerators. With the number of sensitive electronics in homes today, a whole-house surge protector is your best defense against unexpected power spikes that can cause costly damage.
- Smoke Detectors
Surprisingly, many homes are not properly equipped with smoke detectors or have none installed. Smoke detectors are vital to home safety, providing early warning during a fire. We recommend installing smoke detectors in key areas of your home, including bedrooms, living areas, and near kitchens. Ensuring your home is equipped with functional smoke detectors can be life-saving.
- Grounding Upgrades
For homes more than 20 years old, grounding systems may not meet current safety standards. Proper grounding is essential for the safety of your home’s electrical system, offering a path for electrical current to safely dissipate into the earth in the event of a fault. Upgrading the grounding of your home can significantly enhance safety and protect against electrical shocks and fires.
- AFCI Protection
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) protection is critical for preventing electrical fires caused by unintentional arcing, where the electrical current in a circuit overheats. For homes older than 15 years old, installing AFCI breakers in the electrical panel can provide an additional layer of safety. These devices are designed to detect and interrupt arc faults, preventing potential fire hazards before they occur.
As electrical standards and safety protocols evolve, ensuring your home’s electrical system keeps pace is essential. Upgrades like installing a whole-house surge protector, ensuring your home has adequate smoke detectors, improving grounding, and adding AFCI protection are necessary to enhance your home’s safety and electrical performance. At Plugged In, we’re dedicated to helping you install these upgrades, ensuring your home is safe, efficient, and up to current standards. Contact us today to learn how we can help upgrade your home’s electrical system.