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Suppressing the Surge: How to Prevent Power Surge Damage

plug cord into a extension cords
plug cord into a extension cords
plug cord into a extension cords

Protect your home and electronics from electrical damage with a few simple steps. 

Have you ever noticed the lights in your home flickering, warm outlets, or even a sharp odor near your outlets? You might not have thought much of it, but these are a few telltale signs of an incoming power surge that could cause permanent damage to computers, TVs, and other sensitive electronics.

 

What causes a power surge? 

Surges can be caused by a number of factors. A nearby lightning strike, a damaged power line, or an overworked outlet are some of the more common reasons. Just like that, a power surge can reach your home, fry your circuit breakers, and spread to your outlets. Whatever device or appliance is plugged in when a power surge occurs may not survive the sudden jolt of electricity. 

Power surge prevention

So, what can you do to make sure your electronics survive an electrical surge? You can start by unplugging electronics when they’re not in use – this can also help lower your electric bill!

If that’s too much of a hassle, you should look into getting a large or small surge protector. Whole-house surge protectors are installed at the main electrical service panel where the circuit breakers or fuses are located. The suppressor will channel the extra electricity during a power surge and prevent it from getting into your main system.

You can also use surge protector power strips for each of your sensitive appliances and electronics. These protectors work like the whole-house suppressors, but on a smaller scale. They can provide you some peace of mind the next time there's a storm.

You can also add an extra layer of protection for your appliances and electronics with our surge protection plans.

 

Browse our protection plans

Our plans give you lots of options, so you can get just what you need for your home without paying for coverage you don't need.

Terms and conditions contained in the protection plans may limit our contract obligations due to coverage caps, coverage exclusions, and our cash back offer. View plan details for more information.

*Repair claims are limited to $500 per service call and $2,000 per plan in the aggregate per plan term. Plans are provided by NRG Protects Inc. Independent contractors will be performing various services under the plans. In some instances we may make a cash payment in lieu of repairs or replacement in the amount of actual cost, which may be less than retail, to repair or replace any covered system, component, or appliance.

**If your authorized repair technician determines that the water heater is deemed irreparable, we will give you a credit of $500 towards a replacement water heater by your authorized repair technician.

Once repair plans commence, there is a 30-day waiting period before you may request services for a claim. Unless the plan provider elects not to renew the plan, upon expiration of the first year, the plan will automatically renew at the standard rate and terms unless you opt out of the auto-renewal option in writing by mail at P.O. Box 2309, Houston, TX 77252- 2309, by email at cancel@nrgprotects.com or by calling us at 1.855.241.9094. Sales tax will be added in select states.

This is a summary of what the provider will and will not cover under the plan, and is subject to the Terms and Conditions of the plan. The Terms and Conditions may limit the provider's contractual obligations due to coverage caps, coverage exclusions and any cash-back option available under the plan. Please refer to the Sample Terms & Conditions for details.