In Florida, you must upgrade electrical systems to meet national electric codes. Arc-fault circuit interrupters and surge protection are required by code. These electrical installations reduce the risk of fires, property damage, and system failures.
Arc-fault circuit interrupters continuously monitors the current and discriminates between normal and unwanted arcing conditions. Once detected, the AFCI opens its internal contacts, thus de-energizing the circuit and reducing the potential for a fire to occur.
Whole-home surge protectors blocks surges at the power source. During storms, surges increase and could cause catastrophic damage. These surges are a threat to the property, electronics, and appliances. Surge protection mitigates these risks and protects the home. Homeowners need electrical safety devices to mitigate electrical risks. Whole-home surge protectors is the best way to protect their homes.
At Mister Sparky, our licensed electricians know how dangerous surges are. We install whole-home surge protectors at your main electrical panel. Our electricians can install types 1 and 2 surge protection devices. We guarantee our whole-home surge protection installations.
We can inspect your electrical panel, pinpoint code violations, and install new products. Our licensed electricians can also install smoke detectors and new lights. Call Mister Sparky today and schedule electrical upgrades, repairs, or maintenance.
We highly recommend hiring a professional electrician for electrical safety upgrades. Professional electricians are familiar with all electrical codes. Whole-home surge protectors can bring your home up to code and comply with Florida laws. Continue reading to learn more about Florida requirements and protecting your home.
NEC Specifications for Surge Protection
The 2020 NEC included updates for surge protection, and homeowners must install a type 1 or 2 surge-protection device. The Whole-home surge protectors must be connected to the electric panel. If you replace your electric panel, you must also replace your surge protection device.
Later updates in 2023 suggest that homeowners should install whole-home surge protectors to mitigate all risks. Whole-home surge protectors should apply to the main supply, electric panel, switches, and outlets. Whole-home surge protectors mitigates fire risks and serious electrical events.
What Can You Expect from Surge Protection?
Whole-home surge protectors are either point-of-use or point-of-service. These type 1 and 2 surge protectors divert electrical surges away from the home. The point-of-use surge protection devices are type 1 and 2. Type 1 surge protectors are installed at the main power supply. Type 2 surge protectors connect to the electric panel. Type 3 surge protectors are power strips you plug into outlets.
Whole-home surge protection blocks voltage irregularities that overload circuits and cause fires and explosions. Power surges happen when there is a blackout and the power is restored. They are also caused by broken power lines, damaged wiring, and faulty appliances.
Surge protection devices stop current from reaching your electrical system. They can protect appliances, computers, gaming consoles, and smartphone chargers. You’ll also stop surges from destroying your heating and cooling systems.
A licensed electrician installs Type 1 and 2 surge protection devices. Our electricians at Mister Sparky know how to install surge protection devices correctly. We guarantee all our installations, repairs, and maintenance services. All surge protection devices have a warranty. We can help you maintain these devices and make sure they operate as expected.
Why You Should Upgrade Your Electrical Panel
Florida electrical codes have outlawed specific electric panels. These electric panels are dangerous and make the home’s electric system uninsurable. They include FPE Stab-Lok, Challenger, Zinsco, Sylvania, Bulldog Pushmatic, Trumbull, and GTE Sylvania panels. You need immediate electric upgrades if you have these electrical panels.
Since these electrical panels are known risks, your homeowner’s insurance provider can deny your electrical fire claim. For example, Zinsco and GTE Sylvania panels suffer internal connection failures. The circuit breakers won’t trip and shut down, causing arcing and fires. These electric panels can also overheat and increase fire risks.
These electrical risks could prevent you from collecting insurance funds after a fire destroys your home. We can perform an inspection and check your model number. If you have one of these dangerous electrical panels, we can help you. We can give you a quote for an electric panel upgrade and whole-home surge protection.
Mitigating More Electrical Risks
We can also inspect your wiring and breakers to make sure your electrical system complies with Florida codes. Your electrical panel must offer enough breakers for all your connections. If too many installations are on the same breaker, we can add more breakers. We may recommend a new panel if a lack of breakers presents a risk.
Florida homeowners must keep their electric panels up to code. Code violations can complicate insurance claims and increase risks to families. Storm activity and hurricanes increase surges in the home. Florida electric codes require circuit interrupters and whole-home surge protection. Upgrading your electric panel protects your home and stops power surges.
Most homeowner’s insurance policies outline electrical upgrade requirements. If you don’t comply, you’ll lose coverage for electric-related damage. You could face serious financial losses with no reprieve. If you need electric upgrades, we can help you. Don’t put up with malarky, call Mister Sparky.
