What causes surges? Well, surges can be generated from a number of sources, such as heaters, dryers, garage door openers and motors starting on air conditioners, freezers, and well-pumps, as well as power surges caused by weather etc.. Most of these surges are so small the average consumer does not see the damage they cause. In fact, it is because they are so small and the damage is not noticed when it occurs that a common misconception has been formed: electronics take a constant "pounding" from all of these little surges, so when a thunderstorm strikes, and the electronic components fail you may think lightning caused the damage. In reality the product was already on the brink of failing because of the many constant low-level surges from your own equipment. So, the misconception is that weather causes the failure.

So, what can you do about these small surges that are gradually wearing down your electric equipment? A whole house surge protector is a great way to start. Whole-house protection with proper grounding and end-use protection for each piece of equipment will give you the best possible protection available.

What does all mean? Well you need to ground your equipment because a high voltage surge can enter equipment through paths other than the power cord. These paths include the TV antenna, cable TV, telephone lines or other attachments. So, surge protectors for the antenna, cable, and phone lines must be plugged into a grounded three-prong outlet to protect your equipment.

Unfortunately, the electronic equipment found in the average home today is sensitive to lightning. Lighting is a force that can destroy your expensive computer system and digital big-screen television, and most warranties, even extended coverage warranties do not protect you against surges. Basically, take time to look at all of your equipment and surge protect it, even if you have a whole house surge protector because anything with microcircuits is at risk, including security systems and portable phones. Your computer is very vulnerable, especially if you have phone connected Internet access. Lightning traveling through phone lines can melt your modem.

So, to protect against a power surge, it is absolutely necessary to stop the surge from entering the house wiring at the main panel. This can be accomplished by installing a whole-house surge protector, or arrester and using individual surge arresters, or suppressors, at points of use that protect each device or appliance at its outlet. So, whole house surge protection takes more than just the main whole house surge protector, don't fall victim to ignorance.

Also, keep in mind that regardless of the quality of your whole-houses surge protector, it will not be effective unless it is connected to a good grounding system. This typically consists of an approved grounding rod and clamps. With whole house surge protectors more is better, the more grounding rods you have, the better the system. Be sure to bury the grounding wires deeply enough not to be cut by your lawn mower or otherwise disconnected from the grounding system.

This precaution will save your thousands of dollars in replacing your electronic equipment.