In 2012, more than 150,000 insurance claims were filed due to lightning strikes and the average cost of lightning strike claims has risen over 141% since 2004. The insurance industry contributes this to two factors:
- Increases in severe weather across the U.S.
- The increase in the number and value of consumer electronic devices in the home
A power surge is a spike in the electrical charge of your home’s electrical system caused by any number of outside influences, including lightning strikes. Traveling at the speed of light, a power surge can occur in a fraction of a millisecond, but the damage that can be caused in that time is staggering.
While electronic devices such as computers, tablets, televisions and entertainment systems are the most susceptible to power surges due to the delicate nature of their electronic components, household appliances, systems and all other items connected to your homes electrical service are vulnerable to a power surge. There are almost as many different causes of power surges as there are myths and misconceptions regarding them, however here are a few facts about power surges:
- Up to 80% of power surges are caused by your home’s appliances and systems cycling on and off according to the NEMA Surge Protection Institute.
- Power grid switching at electric utility substations can generate power surges.
- Lightning strikes to homes, power lines, phone lines or cable lines are the most dangerous cause of power surges, resulting in the most damage to electronics, appliances and systems in the home.
While many might think the odds of a lightning strike related power surge damaging their home are slim, the truth is lightning strikes on homes are far more common than most assume.
- Your home has a 1 in 200 chance of being struck by lightning over the next year according to the National Lightning Safety Institute.
- More than 150,000 lightning strike insurance claims were filed in 2012.
- Colorado is the 10th most lightning prone state according to the National Weather Service.
The good news is that protection for your home’s electrical system is readily available, and even the top-of-the-line solutions are reasonably affordable. John Oxford, owner and master electrician of Done, recommends a two-tiered system for all of his clients. This two-tiered system consists of a whole house surge protection device installed at the circuit breaker box, and a quality plug-in surge protective device on individual outlets to provide additional protection. Most whole home surge protection systems also come with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty, which covers the surge protection device as well as a portion of any devices damaged due to a power surge.
You deserve the peace of mind of knowing your devices, your home and your family and protected from dangerous power surges and lightning strikes. If you have any questions on whole house surge protection systems or wish to schedule the installation of a whole home surge protection system in your home, call the friendly and knowledgeable team at Done today.
