How to Install a Whole House Surge Protector

Learning how to install a whole house surge protector can protect every appliance in your home against a power surge. Contrast this benefit with the comparatively minor benefit of using surge protectors directly at the outlet.

Power surges can happen very quickly and they can damage any of your devices, not just your computers as people assume. Your HDTV, for example, could very much benefit from having surge protection.

You also should not assume that lightning is the only reason why you might see a power surge. Sometimes appliances that cycle off and on, like your air conditioner, can cause them as well.

This is another intermediate project that requires you to get into your breaker box. Remember that some sections of your breaker box remain live even after you turn off the main breaker (which is going to be the first step when working on your circuit breaker box).

You’ll need the following tools:

  • A whole house surge protector.
  • A wire protector.
  • A screwdriver.
  • A pair of pliers with insulated handles.
  • A wire stripper.

Begin by reading all of the manufacturer’s instructions on the surge protector. Then, gently remove the panel on your breaker box.

Now, you’re going to want to turn off the main breaker. Use a wire tester to make sure that no power is flowing to the breaker box.

Now look at the bottom of the box. You should see a series of small circular rings. These are called “knockouts.”

Choose one that’s the right size for your surge protector, then use your pliers to push the metal out of the knockout.

Now, thread the surge protector wires through the resulting hole. The surge protector also has a threaded mount on it, so fit that snugly into the hole. You’ll also have a lock nut. Work that firmly into place to mount your surge protector.

Once your surge protector is secured you’ll want to take a look at your wires. You’ll find two black wires and one white wire.

You’ll want to strip some of the insulation off of the white wire, then fit it under one of the screws in the neutral bar. You may need to loosen the screw first. Once you’ve connected the wire, tighten the screw.

You’ll need to locate a free twenty amp double pole breaker on your box for the black wires. That’s at least the norm, but again, you’ll want to consult the instructions on your surge protector.

Connect the black wires to the circuit breakers, then tighten the screws.

Once everything’s in place, restore power to the box. Make sure the indicator light on your surge protector is on.

Of course this is an intermediate project, and as with all electrical projects it’s a good idea to call in a professional electrician if you’re uncomfortable with the work for any reason. We install whole home house surge protectors for only $250.

If you’re in Durham, Hillsborough, Carrboro, Wake Forest or anywhere else in the Raleigh-Durham area then give us a call to have us install a whole house surge protector in your home.

We Install Whole House Surge Protectors for Only $250!
We offer a $25,000 replacement guarantee for all of the appliances
in your home (excluding your AC).

Call Us Today To Schedule Your Install!
(919) 236-7167

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