Is a whole-house surge protector worth it after storm damage?

If you've had appliances or electronics damaged by power surges, a whole-house unit at the panel stops the surge before it reaches any outlet in the house, which plug-in protectors can't do.

Can a surge protector be added to an existing panel?

In most cases yes, as long as there's room in or near the panel for the device and the panel is in good working condition.

Does a whole-house surge protector replace individual surge strips?

It's meant to work alongside them. The whole-house unit handles large surges at the source, while plug-in strips still add a layer of protection for sensitive electronics.

Whole-house surge protector installation in Spartanburg

A whole-house surge protector is installed directly at the electrical panel and protects everything on the circuit from voltage spikes, whether from a lightning strike near a power line or a surge from the utility grid switching load. This is different from the plug-in surge strips people use for a TV or computer, which only protect what's plugged into them.

This job is typically done at the same time as other panel work, or as a standalone add-on for homeowners who've had storm damage or repeated appliance failures from power spikes. Spartanburg gets its share of summer thunderstorms, which makes this a common ask alongside generator and panel work.

An electrician will mount the surge protection device inside or next to the panel, wire it into the main breaker, and confirm it's rated for your panel's amperage.

What it costs

The device itself is a relatively small line item compared to labor, and pricing depends on the surge protector's rating and whether any panel space or wiring needs adjusting to fit it. Homes with older or crowded panels may need extra work to make room.

Top 3 by our score

Ranked from our published scoring of public Google reviews for panel upgrades & repair.

1. Dave's Air Conditioning Plumbing & Electrical
4.9★ · 226 reviews

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2. Davis Services, Inc.
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3. Mr Electric of the Upstate
4.9★ · 488 reviews

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FAQ

Is a whole-house surge protector worth it after storm damage?: If you've had appliances or electronics damaged by power surges, a whole-house unit at the panel stops the surge before it reaches any outlet in the house, which plug-in protectors can't do.
Can a surge protector be added to an existing panel?: In most cases yes, as long as there's room in or near the panel for the device and the panel is in good working condition.
Does a whole-house surge protector replace individual surge strips?: It's meant to work alongside them. The whole-house unit handles large surges at the source, while plug-in strips still add a layer of protection for sensitive electronics.

Enquiries submitted through our contact forms may be passed to partner providers who can do the work. We may earn a referral fee from these matches, but our rankings and scores are based solely on our published scoring method and are never affected by referral payments.