Does your home's age affect surge protection?

• Does the age of your home matter?
• Older homes often have older electrical systems
• Newer homes have more technology to protect
• Renovations can change the picture
• It’s not just about wiring anymore
• Signs it may be time for an electrical inspection
• Helping protect homes of every age

A well-maintained home built in the 1970s may have fewer electrical concerns than a poorly maintained home built much more recently.

Rather than focusing on the age of the house itself, it's better to think about the age and condition of the electrical infrastructure inside it.

That doesn't necessarily mean the system is unsafe or incapable of supporting surge protection.

However, older electrical systems may benefit from an inspection before additional electrical equipment is installed.

If your home has undergone several renovations over the years, it's also worth understanding how the electrical system has changed.

Ironically, newer homes often have the opposite challenge.

Rather than older electrical systems, today's homes contain more sensitive electronics than ever before.

Examples include:

• Smart thermostats
• Wi-Fi routers
• Smart lighting
• Security systems
• Connected appliances
• Home offices
• Electric vehicle chargers
• Solar inverters
• Battery storage systems 

Many of these devices contain microprocessors and circuit boards that can be affected by voltage spikes.

According to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), modern homes rely on significantly more semiconductor-based electronics than previous generations, increasing the importance of protecting sensitive equipment from transient overvoltages.

Home renovations often improve comfort and functionality, but they can also create a mix of electrical systems from different eras.

For example, a home may have:

• An upgraded kitchen
• A finished basement
• A new detached garage
• A home office
• Air conditioning added years after construction
• An EV charger
• Solar panels 

Each renovation may introduce additional electronic equipment.

If your electrical system has been expanded over time, it's worth confirming that the panel and wiring continue to meet your home's needs.

A qualified electrician can assess your electrical system and recommend upgrades if necessary.

Twenty years ago, many homes relied primarily on mechanical appliances.

Today's homes depend on electronics.

Consider the difference:

While these technologies offer greater convenience, they also increase the number of electronic components throughout the home.

Protecting those systems has become part of protecting the modern home.

Whether your home is old or new, a licensed electrician be worth considering if you notice:

• Frequently tripped breakers
• Flickering lights
• Buzzing outlets
• Warm electrical panels
• Two-prong outlets
• Recent major renovations
• Plans to install an EV charger
• Plans to add solar panels
• Uncertainty about when the electrical system was last inspected 

An inspection can help identify whether your home's electrical system is ready to support additional equipment and technologies.

Power surges don't discriminate based on the age of your home.

Whether you live in a century home, a suburban home built in the 1990s or a brand-new build, your electrical system may experience voltage spikes caused by:

• Everyday appliances
• Utility switching
• Power restoration after outages

Surge protection helps reduce the impact of many common voltage spikes before they travel through your home's electrical system. Further, many homeowners also choose to use surge protector power bars for sensitive electronics, creating multiple layers of protection.