Most homes in Florida do not have whole-house surge protection. These devices monitor electricity passing through the system and detect electrical surges and spikes. When there’s a spike or surge, the device activates and channels that electricity into the earth via a ground line. By rerouting that power, it avoids damage to your electrical components and other potential issues.
Hurricanes and Other Severe Weather
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. The average season produces three major hurricanes, seven additional hurricanes, and more than a dozen named storms. In recent years, the seasons have been getting even more destructive. The 2024 season, for instance, delivered five major hurricanes, 11 other hurricanes, and 18 named storms.
Power surges are much more common during severe weather than typical inclement weather. Hurricane-force winds can down power lines, which cause surges that damage electronics and appliances. There can also be damaging surges when the power gets restored. Blown transformers are a heightened risk during severe storms. It’s also not just the surges you have to worry about. Even a power outage can cause data loss and damage to devices.
For homeowners in Lakeland, Haines City, and the nearby areas, concerns extend beyond just hurricanes. These are hot and humid areas during much of the year. Local weather patterns result in many unpredictable storms that aren’t hurricanes but are still quite severe. Those can lead to power fluctuations and other electrical issues that damage your home.
Power Fluctuations
Florida boasts some of the most reliable power grids in the U.S. and some of the most advanced in the world, somewhat out of necessity. The state has invested greatly in smart grid technologies, including predictive maintenance. Florida also has more underground power lines than most and continues to move even more underground.
All that said, the frequent storms in the region do lead to power fluctuations. They won’t usually be potent enough to damage your electrical panel and wiring. Still, even minor fluctuations can damage surge protector strips and the devices connected to them.
Reduced Risk of Electrical Fires
It’s important to note that surge-related electrical fires aren’t common. Still, when they occur, the damage can be substantial, and surge protection all but eliminates the risk. Even local fires can damage the electrical panel, circuit breakers, and nearby wiring beyond repair. There’s also the risk that the fire spreads, and the risk increases if there are flammable items near the panel. Electrical fires result in about 30,000 house fires annually nationwide. Those fires cause more than $1 billion in damages and claim more than 300 lives on average.
The National Electrical Code Requires It
The National Fire Protection Association maintains the National Electrical Code and updates it every three years. Florida uses the NEC as its official residential electrical standard. With the 2023 update, the NFPA added whole-house surge protection as a requirement. That means any home built in Florida after 2022 has to have surge protection.
There’s no legal requirement to upgrade your home simply because the NFPA updates the NEC. Still, upgrading is worthwhile to make your home safer and give you peace of mind. Adding surge protection to your home helps to future-proof it as well. If you have to perform electrical work that requires a permit, you will need to add surge protection. Many modern appliances, including EV charging stations and tankless water heaters, often require it. It also hurts the value of your home and makes it less appealing to buyers if you don’t have surge protection.
Indirect Lightning Strikes Cause Significant Annual Residential Damages
Indirect lightning strikes are common in Florida, especially during severe weather. This is where the lightning strikes the ground, a tree, or another object. The electricity then travels from that object into your home’s electrical system. The insurance industry estimates that it pays out more than $1 billion each year for damage caused by indirect lightning. The best protection against indirect lightning is a Type 2 surge protection device. It’s what the NEC requires, and it functions between the electrical panel and the rest of the home’s electrical system.
Potential Home Insurance Discounts
Because insurance providers pay out so much for lightning damage, many provide discounts for surge protection. Check with your insurer and determine the requirements. Your electrician can then help you choose a device that meets those criteria. You should also check with your local electric company. Some offer one-time bill credits and other perks for homeowners who upgrade.
Electric Panel Upgrade Tax Credit
The federal government offers a tax credit for certain electrical panels. It’s not only for replacements but upgrades, including electrical panel upgrades that add integrated surge protection. The credit is worth 30% of the total installation cost up to $600. It’s also important to note that you can potentially claim multiple energy efficiency credits. Consider a scenario in which you installed an eligible water heater that needed the panel upgrade. You could claim up to $2,000 on the water heater and another $600 on the panel. It’s also important to note that this is a nonrefundable credit, so you can’t earn cash back.
Direct Lightning Strikes and Anomalous Grid Power Can Be Devastating
Direct lightning strikes to a home aren’t common, but when they occur, they can be devastating. They can easily knock out the electrical panel and cause a fire. Another source of devastating damage is anomalous power from the grid. That isn’t common either and has become less so with modern advancements. Still, a blown transformer during a storm is one example of when it can occur. For the best protection from these external surges, you may need a Type 1 device as well. These function between the grid and your home’s electrical panel.
Internal Surges and Spikes Are Common
Most of the electrical surges and spikes that cause damage originate inside the home. Air conditioners and heat pumps are common culprits in Florida. Standby and portable generators are as well. You can also experience surges from power tools, hair dryers, and refrigerators.
Heightened Protection for Your Appliances and Devices
Modern homes have many valuable appliances and electronics. You should protect them with at least two layers of surge protection. Type 2 protection will prevent most surges from getting to your devices. You should also connect them to local or Type 3 protection. That will help to protect against fluctuations that can damage but aren’t quite surges.
Install Whole-House Surge Protection in Polk County and Beyond
Top Flight Electric is an electrical contractor that specializes in residential work. Our team serves homeowners throughout Winter Haven, FL and the surrounding areas. That includes the installation and maintenance of Type 1 and Type 2 surge protection devices. We perform other electrical panel upgrades and replace panels as well. Our licensed electricians wire and rewire homes and replace circuit breakers. Our team plans and carries out electrical remodels for homes of all sizes. We install outdoor and indoor lighting, including ceiling fans, EV charging stations, and standby generators. Our company also offers a Captain’s Club through which you can save money while ensuring your electrical system is well-maintained. With any questions or to schedule an appointment, call today, or contact us online.