09/24/2026
What Is a Whole-Home Surge Protector — and Do I Really Need One?
Most homeowners think of power surges as something caused by lightning, but electrical surges can also come from utility switching, power outages, and even equipment cycling on and off. And with today's homes filled with sensitive electronics, a surge can potentially damage much more than your TV or computer.
A whole-home surge protector is installed at your electrical panel and helps protect the electrical equipment throughout your home from sudden voltage spikes. That includes things like your HVAC system, appliances, TVs, computers, smart-home equipment, EV chargers, and more.
Why not just use power strips?
Plug-in surge strips can provide additional protection for individual electronics, but they only protect what's plugged into them. A whole-home surge protector provides a first line of defense at the electrical service, before a surge travels through your home's branch circuits.
Are they required by code?
In many situations, yes. Modern National Electrical Code requirements include surge protection for dwelling-unit services, which is why you'll commonly see whole-home surge protection installed during new construction and electrical service upgrades.
Are they worth installing in an existing home?
We think so. Consider how much electronic equipment is inside the average home today. A relatively small investment in surge protection can help protect thousands of dollars' worth of appliances and electronics.
No surge protector can guarantee protection against every electrical event or direct lightning strike, but a properly installed whole-home SPD adds an important layer of protection to your home's electrical system.
Interested in adding whole-home surge protection to your home? Give Lilly Electric a call.
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