Home surge protection may need replacing every 3 to 5 years
ALBANY — November 13, 2026 -- Your refrigerator, air conditioner and washer each send a small voltage spike through your wiring every time they switch on or off. Zachary Bobersky, an electrician at Ungerman Electric in Albany, N.Y., says in a HelloNation article that these everyday spikes, not lightning, cause most home surges.
His concern is accumulation. According to Bobersky, repeated minor surges strain televisions, computers and smart appliances and can shorten their lifespan. The damage can show up months later as flickering screens or overheating devices.
Bobersky recommends one protector at the panel and another at the outlet
A whole-home protector is installed by a licensed electrician in the main electrical panel. It is meant to block large spikes coming from the utility grid. Outlet protectors then cover specific equipment such as computers, entertainment systems and gaming consoles.