What Is a Power Surge and Why Is It Dangerous?

A power surge is a sudden spike in electrical voltage that can damage or destroy sensitive electronics and appliances. Surges can be caused by lightning, power outages, or large appliances cycling on and off. Without protection, even small surges can shorten the lifespan of your devices.

What Does a Surge Protector Do?

A surge protector blocks or redirects excess voltage away from your electronics during a power spike. It helps prevent damage to TVs, computers, appliances, and other plugged-in equipment. Surge protectors offer an added layer of defense beyond your home’s circuit breakers.

What’s the Difference Between a Power Strip and a Surge Protector?

While they look similar, a power strip simply provides multiple outlets, whereas a surge protector includes built-in technology to stop voltage spikes. Not all power strips offer surge protection, so it’s important to check the labeling. Look for a joule rating to ensure it offers real protection.

Should I Install Whole-Home Surge Protection?

Yes, whole-home surge protectors safeguard your entire electrical system from both internal and external surges. They’re especially useful in areas prone to storms or frequent utility fluctuations. Installed at your main panel, they protect everything from your HVAC to kitchen appliances.

Can Surge Protectors Wear Out Over Time?

Yes, surge protectors degrade with each power spike they absorb. Once their internal components wear out, they no longer offer protection—even if the outlet still works. It’s a good idea to replace them every few years or after a major surge event.

How Do I Know If My Surge Protector Is Still Working?

Many surge protectors have indicator lights that show whether protection is active. If the light is off—or if the unit was exposed to a large surge—it may no longer be effective. Replace any device that no longer shows a working status.

Do I Need Both Plug-In and Whole-Home Surge Protection?

For the best protection, yes—whole-home surge protection handles large surges, while plug-in protectors shield sensitive electronics from smaller spikes. This layered approach offers comprehensive defense across your home. It’s especially important for expensive or irreplaceable electronics.

Can I Install a Whole-Home Surge Protector Myself?

Whole-home units must be installed directly to your electrical panel and should only be handled by a licensed electrician. Improper installation can be dangerous and may void warranties or insurance coverage. Professional installation ensures safe and code-compliant protection.

Durham Whole-Home Surge Protection

Protect Your Appliances and Electronics From Unexpected Power Surges

Power surges can happen in an instant, but the damage they leave behind can be costly. Whole-home surge protection is a smart investment that guards everything from your refrigerator to your HVAC system. At Ted’s HVAC, Plumbing, & Electrical, we install high-quality surge protection for homes throughout Durham. Whether it’s caused by a lightning strike or a utility issue, we make sure your home is prepared. Call today and let our team help keep your electrical system safe.

Our Surge Protection Services

When it comes to surge protection, we offer more than just one solution. Our team evaluates your home’s unique electrical needs to recommend and install the right system. From protection upgrades to ongoing support, we’re here to make sure your home stays protected.

Whole-Home Surge Protector Installation — Installing a whole-home surge protector helps shield all your appliances and electronics from damaging voltage spikes. We hardwire the device directly into your electrical panel for maximum coverage and safety.
Surge Protector Replacement — Surge protectors wear down over time, especially after major surges. We replace aging or damaged units to restore full protection to your home’s electrical system.
Electrical Panel Upgrades — Outdated panels can leave your home more vulnerable to power surges. We upgrade your panel as needed to ensure your surge protection is fully supported.
Lightning Protection Add-Ons — Direct lightning strikes can overwhelm standard surge protectors. We offer additional protection options to help your system handle even the most severe surges.
Surge Protection Inspections — Regular inspections help ensure your surge protector is still working properly. We test and evaluate the system so you can feel confident your home is safe.

To see what Ted's can do for you, call us and schedule today!

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919-823-7344

Why Choose Ted’s For Whole-Home Surge Protectors?

Ted’s HVAC, Plumbing, & Electrical offers more than just reliable surge protection; we provide peace of mind knowing your home’s electrical system is in good hands. With years of experience serving the Durham area, we understand the unique needs of local homes and businesses. Our team goes beyond installation, offering ongoing support and advice to ensure your home remains protected from electrical surges. In some cases, especially during frequent outages, solutions like whole home generators can add an extra layer of protection. Trust us for quality work and a personalized approach to safeguarding your home.

Licensed and Insured Professionals — Our team is fully licensed and insured, providing a safe and reliable service every time. We follow industry standards to ensure the highest quality of work in your home.
Tailored Solutions — Every home is different, and we take the time to assess your specific needs. Our tailored surge protection solutions provide the right fit for your home’s electrical system.
Comprehensive Electrical Knowledge — We offer in-depth knowledge of all things electrical, from surge protection to complete system overhauls. You can rely on our team to provide expert guidance and support for all your electrical needs.
Top-Notch Equipment — We use only the highest quality surge protection equipment available. Our products are designed to withstand even the toughest electrical surges, offering lasting protection for your home.
Thorough Follow-Up Services — We don’t just install and leave. After installation, we follow up with you to ensure everything is running smoothly and offer advice for ongoing maintenance and care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Our Customers Say About Us

4.9 Google Rating

Very courteous and very informative about the issue

Jody Blackwell

14 hours ago

Daniel our plumber did excellent work and was friendly, respectful , professional, knowledgeable and courteous . He was efficient . He explained everything and answered our questions and concerns.. We highly recommend Daniel for any plumbing work.

Christine Alder

2 days ago

We recently purchased a system in July and have been very happy with the purchase and our service with TEDS. When the cold spell hit we struggled for two days trying to figure out why our new system was not keeping us warm so we called Ted’s. James made it to our door at 5:30PM, a very respectful young man, crawled under the house in the snow and fell on the ice but made sure our heater was working. He made a lasting impression on my husband and myself, I love his integrity and essence. He did show us a video he took while under the house as to why the pistons(?) weren't firing which he fixed. We felt so blessed to have James in our home.

Lin Howard-Bryson

2 days ago

They showed up on time, introduced themselves, kept us informed throughout the process, tested and retested the system to their satisfaction and taught us about the system. We could not ask for better service. Corey King and his team were professional, worked diligently and left us feeling very satisfied with the decision to go with Ted’s HVAC.

Danny Bryson

2 days ago

Grant was great! He was able to diagnose and fix my plumbing issue on the same visit.

Sean Meyer

2 days ago

Very professional and knowledgeable about the job at hand!

Antoinette Villines-Torain

3 days ago

Kendall was awesome. Friendly and helpful. Made the icy repair quick.He followed up the next day with a phone call to make sure everything was working properly. I moved here to Timberlake 3 years ago and have had Ted’s in Roxboro doing complete service on my house and am completely satisfied with all their work and technicians.

Brian Kingston

3 days ago

Kendell was amazing, very helpful and professional

Will Smart

3 days ago

Kendall was very thorough and meticulous when it came to inspecting my system and explaining the break down of everything that needed repair.

Will bogan

3 days ago

David Lee came out and gave us a quote for a full HVAC replacement. He was helpful and thorough, and gave us a great education about our system and options. He even helped us troubleshoot a water leak we found when we went down to the crawlspace together. I really appreciate the professionalism and promptness of Ted’s.

Elizabeth Szypulski

4 days ago

Amazing young man. Very clean and respectful

Brad Chandler

4 days ago

Kendall was best tech I’ve ever had

Ryan Malynn

4 days ago

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Your home deserves top-quality care from experts who prioritize your comfort and safety. Whether you need a fast repair, a system upgrade, or routine maintenance, our skilled team is here to deliver reliable solutions with unmatched professionalism. We take the time to understand your needs and provide services that enhance efficiency, performance, and long-term savings. With a commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, we ensure every job is done right the first time. Experience the difference of expert service—contact us today to schedule your appointment!

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