Question:
Can I install a whole house surge protector myself?
Installing Bus Plugs and Surge Protectors
When installing bus plugs, surge protectors and other equipment, safety is the top priority. That is one reason why all owner's manuals for bus plugs and other items recommend installation only by a trained professional. If you don't know the difference between a resistor and a capacitor, chances are you need some training before attempting to install a "whole house" electrical system add-on or modification.
Trained do-it-yourselfers know the dangers of working around live electricity. It's not enough to wear safety equipment and make sure the power is completely off before attempting an installation of a whole house surge protector or a new electrical panel. Users need to know how to identify potentially dangerous situations and avoid them. If you have excess wire from the surge protector to the main circuit box, did you know you should never coil or loop that wire? Re-install using a shorter connection. Do you know what the surge capacity maximum is for your surge protector? What happens if that capacity is exceeded? Aspiring do-it-yourselfers still in the dark about these issues should seek professional advice before considering a modification of the electrical system. It may be worth the money to hire a pro to do the work.
Circuit Breakers Frequently Asked Questions
How does an electrical surge work?
What is a whole house surge protector?
Can I install a whole house surge protector myself?
What should I do with my old circuit breakers?
Can I padlock my circuit breakers?
What should I know about circuit breaker locking systems?
What is a dual-pole circuit breaker?
Why does a dual pole circuit breaker work?
How many circuit breakers can I add to my breaker box?
What can I do if I am running out of room in my breaker box?
What is an FPE air circuit breaker?
Is there still an electrocution hazard with the mains turned off?
Why do my new circuit breakers keep tripping?
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Can I use a different brand for replacement circuit breakers?
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Why is my motor starter noisy?
Why does my motor starter click but not turn on?
Why does my motor starter turn over slowly?
How can I tell if my motor starter is bad?
Can I use a manual motor starter as a disconnect switch for maintenance purposes?
What is an AFCI circuit breaker?
Why do I need AFCI Circuit Breakers?
What is a counterfeit Square D circuit breaker?
What is the National Electrical Code?
What is an electrical code test?
Where can I get electrical code training?
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My mains are off. Am I safe from electrocution?
What should I know about high voltage electrical safety?
Do I really need an upgraded circuit breaker panel?
Can a damaged appliance cause my Seimens breakers to trip?
Will installing a circuit breaker other than the type specified in the manual void my warranty?
Can I recycle my circuit breakers?
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Where can I find more information on counterfeit electrical products?
Should I buy re-certified power circuit breakers?
What happens to re-certified or re-conditioned circuit breakers?
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What is an industrial transformer?
What should I do when taking delivery of a large transformer?
What issues should I be aware of for large transformers?
What is a voltage transformer?
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What are used circuit breakers good for?
Should I buy reconditioned circuit breakers?
Can I use a flashlight to see my circuit breaker panel during installation of new breakers?
What would happen if my circuit breaker did not trip?
What are "replacement only" circuit breakers?
What should I do to protect my electrical system in case of a flood?
What should I do if the area near my breaker panel is flooded?
I smell something burning and see sparks. Is this my electrical system?
| Guru Spotlight |
| Kristle Jones |
