Hey folks! In today’s guide, How To Install Home Panel Surge Protection, we’re installing a whole-home surge protector to help safeguard your home’s electrical system from unexpected voltage spikes.
How To Install Home Panel Surge Protection
Surge protectors are great devices for handling electrical surges, also known as brownouts. A brownout typically occurs when there’s an overload on the utility’s electrical system—often due to high demand on a single transformer. You’ll notice the lights dim or flicker, and these fluctuations can damage sensitive electronics and appliances.
This device helps prevent that damage by protecting against both low and high voltage spikes. But let’s clear something up: this is not a lightning arrestor.
Some manufacturers advertise these units as protection against lightning strikes. While they might offer some protection from indirect lightning strikes (like one hitting the line further down the road), nothing installed in your panel will protect your home from a direct lightning strike. A strike that close can blow breakers or even the meter off the house.
Surge Protector Overview
The unit we’re installing today:
- Installs in a ½” knockout in the panel
- Should be connected under a 20–30 amp breaker, ideally near the top of the panel
- Comes with two hots, a neutral, and a ground wire
- Has a green indicator light when operational, which turns white when it needs to be replaced
Now let’s get into the install.
Step 1: Open the Panel and Prep the Area
Start by removing the front cover of your panel. Find a free spot near the top for the new breaker. In this case, the panel is mounted upside down, so we’re using one of the available top slots (electrically speaking).
We’re using a 20 amp breaker, which is safe given the 12-gauge wiring on the surge protector. If it had been 10-gauge, we might have used a 30 amp.
Step 2: Install the Surge Protector
Once the knockout is removed, insert the surge protector into the panel. With the wires out of the way:
- Ground Wire: Route to the ground bus and tighten securely.
- Neutral Wire: Shorten it if needed, then connect it to the neutral bus.
- Hot Wires: Connect the two hots under the double-pole 20 amp breaker.
Remember: the surge protector is now ready to absorb any electrical hits, protecting your home’s devices instead of letting them take the damage.
Step 3: Wrap It Up
Once everything is connected and tightened, restore the panel cover. Don’t forget to label the new breaker as “Surge Protector.”
And just like that—you’re done.
Final Thoughts
Surge protectors are a smart investment. I’ve got one installed on every panel in my house. You really can’t have too much protection when it comes to your home’s electrical system.
They typically cost around $250, and in my opinion, they’re worth every penny.
The green light on our unit is glowing, which means everything is working perfectly. Your panel is now better protected from the types of surges that could otherwise cause expensive damage.
Thanks for following along!
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And remember—never do your own electrical work unless you’re qualified. Always consult your local licensed electrician.
See you next time!
