It is rare that we get the type of weather like our friends to the south experienced last month; in Moore Oklahoma a two kilometer wide F5 tornado laid a path of devastation through that that area-
but we do get bad weather here in Ontario and it can wreak havoc as well.
The number one danger to your wiring is a surge of electricity coming in through your main power lines.
Lightning has the worst reputation, but the more likely culprit is power line collision.
Terry Carman
Chief of Staff
We have included a short video this month.
It is a news report from Pennsylvania where hydro lines collided causing a surge when a tree came down on them. The reporter interviewed victims dealing with the ensuing damage and frustration with repair and replacement.
Sorry, but tech support could not sent you virtual popcorn as well. We tried...
Report from WXPI - Pittsburg on power surge damage
Click picture to watch video.
Devastation After Power Surge / Spike
West Penn power says a tree came down along a local trail, knocking out two power lines. When they came in contact with each other - that caused the surge.
Was the power company responsible? They say no. The tree was not on the right-of-way so they are not responsible leaving 110 customers to sort it out with their insurance companies.
Is it worth the risk?
To completely rewire a fully finished home because an electrical surge has fried the wiring would cost in the range of $20/finished square foot. (eg. 2000 square feet=$40,000)
Replacing the equipment that is plugged in at any given time is well over $13,000 in many homes. Equipment with electronic components such as entertainment equipment, washer, dryers, fridges and central air conditioners are the most vulnerable.
The cost to add surge protection at the electrical panel is under $500.
We rely more heavily on electrical equipment and devices than ever before.
Panel surge protection is no longer a nifty addition,
but had become essential component of your electrical system.
Pointers to remember...
1. Surge protectors are designed only for breaker panels.
2. Surge protectors only work on a home that is properly grounded.
3. Surge protectors are like a cat with nine lives. It can only take a limited number of surges before it dies. When it does die, it means it has served you well and done the job of protecting your home and wiring.
Add a note to your calendar to check it monthly to make sure the indicator light is glowing green, showing that it is still protecting your home.
4. If you have a breaker panel installed by The Shock Doctors, you already have surge protection.If the green light is not on, it is not protecting you. Please call us, yours in under warranty for life and we will replace it.
Direct line to the Doc
If you have a question about the health of your electrical system or would like to investigate a little "plastic surgery", ask the doctor directly: Click and send your question
