Whole-Home Surge Protector: Why Every Tulsa Home Needs One

Imagine this: It’s tornado season in Oklahoma, and a lightning strike sends a power surge through your home. In seconds, your smart TV, computer, and kitchen appliances could be destroyed. For Tulsa homeowners, this scenario isn’t just possible. It’s a reality that costs thousands in damaged electronics every year.

A whole-home surge protector acts as your first line of defense against destructive power surges. Unlike the basic power strips most people rely on, whole-home surge protection guards your entire system from the moment electricity enters your house. Whether you’re protecting a $3,000 home theater system or ensuring your HVAC unit keeps running, understanding surge protection could save you money and frustration.

Fox Electrical Inc. has served residential and commercial property owners in the Tulsa area since 2006 and has seen firsthand how Oklahoma weather patterns damage unprotected homes.

In this blog, we’ll explore what causes power surges in Tulsa, how whole-home surge protection works, and whether this investment makes sense for your family.

What Causes Power Surges in Tulsa Homes?

Living in Oklahoma means dealing with some of the most unpredictable weather in the country. Tulsa storms make power surge protection especially important.

Several factors make Tulsa homes particularly vulnerable to power surges:

• Lightning strikes during tornado season create the most dramatic surges. When lightning hits power lines or transformers, it sends massive voltage spikes directly into homes. Even strikes that don’t hit your property directly can cause surges through the electrical grid.
• Ice storms in winter months create their own problems. When ice accumulates on power lines, it causes them to snap or touch each other, creating surges when power is restored. The constant on-and-off cycling of electricity during outages puts additional stress on your home’s electrical system. 
• Internal surges happen when large appliances like air conditioners, refrigerators, or washing machines turn on and off. These smaller surges occur daily and gradually damage electronics over time.
• Utility company switching also causes surges. When the power company switches between different power sources or performs maintenance, voltage fluctuations can travel through the lines to your home.

The Oklahoma Insurance Department recommends installing a lightning protection system. Fox Electrical, Inc. will assess your current system, explain your options, and provide professional installation that keeps your property safe year-round. 

Schedule your whole-home surge protection consultation today.

Protect Your Investment

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How Does Whole Home Surge Protection Work

Installed directly at your home’s main panel, a whole-home surge protector monitors the electricity flowing into your house.

When the device detects voltage levels above normal (typically 120 volts), it immediately diverts the excess electricity away from your home’s wiring. This excess power is sent into the ground through your home’s grounding system.

The main difference between whole-home surge protection and standard power strips is coverage. Power strips only protect devices plugged directly into them. Whole-home surge protection safeguards your entire electrical system. That means everything is protected, from hardwired smoke detectors to your garage door opener.

As pioneers in arc fault technology solutions, Fox Electrical understands the relationship between electrical safety systems. Our expertise in advanced electrical protection makes us uniquely qualified to recommend and install the right surge protection for your home.

The Pros of Whole Home Surge Protection

Whole home surge protection offers several key advantages:

• Complete home protection: Every outlet, light switch, and hardwired appliance gets protection. You won’t need to worry about which devices are plugged into surge protectors and which aren’t.
• Financial protection for expensive electronics and appliances: Consider that replacing a damaged HVAC system could cost $5,000 or more, while a whole-home surge protector typically costs under $500 to install.
• Peace of mind during storm season: When tornado warnings sound or ice storms approach, you’ll know your home’s electrical system has professional-grade protection.
• Protection for modern home electronics: Today’s homes contain hundreds of small electronic components in everything from dishwashers to thermostats. Protecting these systems prevents costly repairs and replacements.

The Cons to Consider

While whole-home surge protection offers significant benefits, there are some drawbacks to consider:

• Initial investment costs range from $300 to $600 for most homes, including professional installation. At Fox Electrical Inc., we provide upfront estimates with no hidden costs, so you know exactly what to expect before any work begins.
• Additional point-of-use protectors are still recommended for your most sensitive electronics. Whole home systems work best when combined with quality surge protectors for computers, entertainment systems, and other valuable devices.
• Professional installation required. Whole-home surge protection is not a DIY project. Working with electrical panels requires professional expertise and proper licensing for safety and code compliance.

Why Surge Protection Isn’t Built Into Home Wiring

Most homes built before 2020 don’t include whole-home surge protection because it wasn’t standard practice. Builders typically focused on meeting basic electrical codes rather than adding protective features that increased construction costs.

The technology has also improved significantly in recent years. Modern surge protectors are more effective and affordable than earlier versions, making them practical for residential use.

Many newer homes do include surge protection, but it’s often basic-level protection. Upgrading to commercial-grade equipment provides better protection for today’s electronic-filled homes.

From historic Tulsa homes to modern construction, Fox Electrical Inc. has the experience to retrofit surge protection into your system safely and effectively.

Signs Your Tulsa Home Needs Surge Protection

Watch for these warning signs that indicate your home needs surge protection:

• Frequent power outages in your neighborhood 
• Flickering lights when large appliances turn on
• Previous equipment damage from power surges
• High-value electronics in your home

Why You Need an Installation Expert

Professional installation is essential for several important reasons:

• Licensed expertise required: The installation of a whole-home surge protector involves working with your electrical panel, requiring a licensed electrician. If your home has an outdated electrical panel, consider Fox’s panel upgrade service.
• Proper grounding is critical: Professional installation ensures proper grounding, which is vital for surge protection to work correctly. Without proper grounding, excess electricity has nowhere to go safely.
• Local code compliance: Local electricians understand Tulsa’s electrical codes and requirements. They’ll ensure your installation meets all regulations and passes inspection if required.
• Warranty protection: Quality installations come with warranties that protect the equipment and the work performed. This gives you peace of mind and recourse if problems arise.

Protect Your Investment Today

Don’t wait for the next storm to damage your valuable electronics and appliances. Whole-home surge protection safeguards against Tulsa’s unpredictable weather and electrical grid fluctuations.

Fox Electrical Inc. has served Tulsa homeowners since 2006, providing expert electrical services you can trust. Our licensed electricians understand local conditions and can recommend the right surge protection solution for your home’s needs.

Ready to protect your home? Call Fox Electrical at 918-833-5000 or complete our contact form to schedule your surge protection consultation.