Whole House Surge Protector Wiring Diagram

Surge protectors are essential for electronic devices to protect them from surges in electrical voltages. While individual surge protectors are available for different devices, a whole-house surge protector protects the entire electrical system of the house. In this article, we will discuss the wiring diagram for a whole-house surge protector and answer some frequently asked questions.

What is a Whole House Surge Protector?

A whole-house surge protector is a device that is installed at the main electrical panel of a house to protect all electrical devices from power surges. It is like a large power strip that protects the entire house instead of just one device. Whole-house surge protectors can handle larger power surges than individual surge protectors.

The surge protector diverts any high-voltage spikes or transients into the ground instead of allowing them to enter the electrical system of the house.

How Do Whole House Surge Protectors Work?

Whole-house surge protectors work by diverting any power surges into the ground. These power surges can occur due to lightning strikes or problems with the power grid.

The surge protector is typically installed at the main electrical panel of the house, where it can intercept any surges before they can enter the electrical system. The surge protector is designed to handle higher voltage spikes than individual surge protectors.

How to Install a Whole House Surge Protector?

Whole-house surge protectors are typically installed by a licensed electrician. The installation process involves the following steps:

Steps Description
Step 1 Turn off the main electrical breaker to the house
Step 2 Attach the surge protector to the back of the electrical panel
Step 3 Connect the surge protector to a new double-pole breaker
Step 4 Connect the surge protector’s grounding wire to the ground bar in the panel
Step 5 Connect the surge protector’s hot and neutral wires to the corresponding wires in the panel
Step 6 Turn on the main electrical breaker to the house

Wiring Diagram for a Whole House Surge Protector

The wiring diagram for a whole-house surge protector is relatively simple. It is installed at the main electrical panel of the house and is wired in parallel with the main electrical service entrance. The diagram shows how the whole-house surge protector is wired to protect the electrical system of the house.

Whole-House Surge Protector Wiring DiagramSource: bing.com

FAQs

What is the lifespan of a whole-house surge protector?

The lifespan of a whole-house surge protector depends on the number and intensity of surges it experiences. On average, a whole-house surge protector lasts between 5-10 years.

Can I install a whole-house surge protector myself?

No, it is recommended to hire a licensed electrician to install a whole-house surge protector for safety reasons.

Do whole-house surge protectors protect against lightning strikes?

Whole-house surge protectors can protect against lightning strikes. However, no surge protector can offer 100% protection against lightning strikes.

Can a whole-house surge protector be installed on an older house?

Yes, whole-house surge protectors can be installed on older houses. However, the electrical panel may need to be upgraded to handle a whole-house surge protector.

Can a whole-house surge protector be installed on a breaker box?

Yes, a whole-house surge protector can be installed on a breaker box. It is typically installed on the main electrical panel of the house.