Do you really need a surge protector?

It looks like a power strip, but it does so much more than that - not only does it provide additional outlets to plug your appliances and electronics into, surge protectors protect your delicate electronics from power surges and even shorter lasting power spikes.  What exactly is a power surge?  There are two categories of it, internal and external.  The former happens when a large appliance like a refrigerator or air conditioner unit stops or starts abruptly, leading to a diverting of electricity away, thus creating the power backup, or power surge.  The latter happens from external sources such as a power outage from a lightning strike to a power line, for example.

So do you need a surge protector for every major appliance and electronics in your home?  

Generally, you’d need it for your important electronics or anything that contains a fragile and delicate microprocessor at the very least- think your computer, laptop, sound systems, smart phones, etc.

Another option is to have your local licensed electrician install a whole house surge protector.  This is essentially like a voltage shield for your entire home.  So any source of power surges will be diverted effectively, regardless of which outlet it’s connected to.  This means ALL your appliances and electronics will be protected, no matter the circumstance.


Case Study

At Electricians Windsor, we recently helped a homeowner in the South Walkerville area install whole-home surge protectors after they experienced several appliance failures during a summer storm. Power surges are not uncommon in Windsor — with over 25 thunderstorm days per year according to Environment Canada, homes are frequently at risk of voltage spikes that can damage electronics and HVAC systems. Our team installed high-quality surge protection directly at the electrical panel, safeguarding the homeowner’s entire electrical system, from their new kitchen appliances to their home office equipment.

The results were immediate — no more flickering lights or tripped breakers during storms, and the homeowner’s insurance company even noted that surge protection can reduce the risk of electrical fire by up to 15%. By preventing potential damage that could easily cost $5,000–$10,000 in replacements, we helped the family protect their investment and enjoy lasting peace of mind. At Electricians Windsor, we take pride in keeping local homes safe and energy-stable, especially in neighbourhoods like South Walkerville, East Riverside, and South Windsor, where power fluctuations can be more common due to older grid infrastructure.


So, to answer the million dollar question: do you need a surge protector, whole house or individual version?  Our answer is: yes, as long as you have valued equipment, appliances or electronics in the house, this is a relatively inexpensive way to protect your investments.

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