With all the recent storms in the US, and in our recent discussions about protecting your TV investment from power supply damage due to surges (which is often not covered under the stock one year manufacturer’s warranty), let’s talk about surge protection for your TV setup. This is the most common issue we get service calls for - my TV won’t turn on or as acting funky. More often than not, it turns out to be caused by a power surge, either from a lightning strike finding you home, or a spike/power surge from your power grid. They are VERY common. Read on to see what options we recommend..

Power surges are sudden increases in voltage that can damage or destroy electronic devices. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including lightning strikes, downed power lines, and faulty wiring.

There are a number of things you can do to protect your electronics from power surges, including:

Use surge protectors. Surge protectors are devices that divert excess voltage away from your electronics and to the ground. They are available in a variety of styles, including power strips, wall outlets, and even whole-house surge protectors.

When choosing a surge protector, look for one with a high joule rating. The joule rating is a measure of how much energy the surge protector can absorb. A higher joule rating means more protection for your electronics.

It is also important to make sure that the surge protector you choose is compatible with the devices you plan to plug into it. Some surge protectors are not designed for high-power devices such as refrigerators and air conditioners.

We even often special behind the TV recessed options for a surge protected outlet. That means no bulky surge strip or wall wart bumping your TV farther out the wall. Ask us about including surge protection with your upcoming install with TV Install Pros.

The ultimate fail-proof move: Unplug electronics during storms. If you are expecting a thunderstorm, it is a good idea to unplug your electronics from the wall. This will help to protect them from power surges caused by lightning strikes.

Have your wiring inspected by an electrician. Faulty wiring can increase the risk of power surges. If you have an older home, it is a good idea to have your wiring inspected by an electrician to make sure that it is in good condition.

Install a whole-house surge protector. A whole-house surge protector is installed at your main electrical panel and protects all of the outlets in your home. It is the most comprehensive way to protect your electronics from power surges. I have personally chosen this option as well as my surge protected outlet behind my TV.

Here are some additional tips for protecting your electronics from power surges:

Avoid plugging multiple high-power devices into the same outlet.
Use power strips with surge protection for all of your electronics.
Unplug electronics that you are not using.
Consider installing a whole-house surge protector.

By following these tips, you can help to protect your electronics from power surges and extend their lifespan. Don’t forget your other important electronics like refrigerators, internet gear, computers, gaming systems, etc!

How To Avoid Power Surges Damaging Your TV