Is Surge Protection Necessary for Residential and Commercial Properties?
Understanding Surge Protection and Why It Matters Today
Electrical surge protection plays a critical role in protecting modern homes and commercial buildings where systems rely on sensitive equipment, connected devices, and consistent power quality. From HVAC systems and appliances to control panels and equipment, even small voltage spikes can lead to equipment damage, reduced reliability, compliance concerns, and unexpected downtime.
As buildings become more advanced, the risk increases. Surge protection is no longer optional. It is an essential part of maintaining safe, reliable electrical systems. At EB. Horsman, we work with manufacturers like Intermatic to supply surge protection solutions suited to today’s electrical systems.
What Is Electrical Surge Protection?
Electrical surge protection protects building electrical systems from sudden increases in voltage. These events, known as power surges or transient voltage spikes, can occur in fractions of a second but have lasting impacts on equipment. A surge protection device (SPD) is installed at key points in the electrical system to monitor voltage levels. When a surge occurs, the SPD diverts excess energy safely to ground before it reaches connected systems.
When Power Surges Start Causing Real Problems
Most people associate power surges with lightning, but that is only part of the picture. In reality, the majority of transient voltage surges are generated inside homes and commercial buildings. Studies estimate that roughly 60 to 80 percent of surges originate internally, while a smaller portion come from external sources such as utility activity or lightning events.
In both residential and commercial settings, many of the most frequent surges are the result of everyday electrical activity within the building.
Common causes include:
- Equipment cycling on and off
- HVAC systems and pumps starting up
- Utility switching and grid disturbances
- Internal wiring or grounding issues
Over time, these repeated surges create hidden damage. Equipment may continue operating, but efficiency declines, failure rates increase, and overall lifespan is reduced.
How a Layered Surge Protection Strategy Works
Effective surge protection is not a single device. It is a layered system designed to protect against both external and internal events.
Intermatic’s recommended approach includes:
- Service Entrance Protection
A Type 1 SPD installed at the main service protects the entire electrical system. - Panel‑Level Protection
A Type 2 SPD provides additional protection from internally generated surges. - Equipment‑Level Protection
Point‑of‑use devices protect sensitive electronics and critical loads.
This layered approach ensures full coverage across the system and helps maintain consistent performance.
Intermatic Surge Protection Solutions for Whole Home and Building Protection
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IG120RSM20Intermatic IG120RSM20 Tamper Proof Replacement Consumable Module, For Use With IG2280 Series Surge Protective Devices$110.99 -
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Intermatic Surge Protection Solutions for HVAC and Equipment Protection
Commercial Panel Surge Protection for Whole Building Coverage
Panel‑level surge protection is essential for protecting entire electrical systems in larger residential and commercial buildings. The Intermatic PANELGUARD surge protective device reacts quickly to eliminate surges and protect downstream equipment. Designed with a parallel connection, it protects loads fed from service entrances, distribution panels, subpanels, and disconnects. This makes it ideal for commercial buildings, multi‑family properties, and facilities with HVAC systems, pumps, and critical equipment.
Intermatic Surge Protection Solutions
Intermatic offers a complete range of surge protection devices built for both residential and commercial applications. From whole home and panel-mounted protection to HVAC and equipment-level solutions, their portfolio is designed to protect today’s electrical systems from everyday voltage disturbances and larger surge events.
Their products are built using advanced TPMOV® technology, helping reduce failure risks and improve long-term reliability. With options that support layered protection, Intermatic solutions help protect appliances, HVAC systems, electronics, and building infrastructure.
Available through EB Horsman & Son, these products are trusted by contractors for their ease of installation and dependable performance.
How EB Horsman & Son Can Support Your Surge Protection Needs
Selecting the right surge protection is not just about the product. It is about understanding the application, the risk, and how the system operates as a whole.
EB Horsman works closely with you to help:
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- Identify the right level of protection for the building or system
- Recommend products based on real-world application
- Support both quick installs and larger project requirements
From counter support to project planning, the goal is to make sure surge protection is done right the first time. With access to trusted manufacturers like Intermatic, you can confidently protect equipment, reduce downtime, and keep systems running as expected. Visit your local EB Horsman branch or contact us, today!
