What Is a Surge Protector and Does It Stop Lightning?

Surge protectors monitor the electrical voltage entering your devices. When they detect a spike above a safe level, they quickly reroute the excess energy to the grounding wire. This happens in nanoseconds to protect sensitive electronics. They are designed for everyday surges, not the extreme energy of a nearby lightning strike.

These devices use components called metal oxide varistors to absorb and shunt voltage. Once a varistor absorbs a large surge, its performance degrades. Many protectors have an indicator light to show they are still functional. You should replace them every few years or after a known major surge event.

Most power surges originate inside your own home. When a motor-driven appliance turns off, the sudden halt can send a spike back through the circuits. These internal surges happen frequently and gradually degrade electronic components. Good surge protection helps mitigate this daily wear and tear on computers and televisions.

External surges come from outside your home, often from the utility grid. These can be more severe, especially after power is restored following an outage. The humid subtropical climate with hot summers and spring hailstorms in some areas can contribute to grid instability. Storms that cause tree limbs to fall on lines are a common culprit.

• Large appliances like air conditioners or refrigerators cycling on and off
• Faulty wiring within your home's electrical system
• Downed power lines or utility company grid switching
• Issues with a neighbor's heavy electrical equipment
• Less common events like transformer malfunctions

After a nearby lightning strike, first ensure everyone's safety. Do not touch electrical panels or outlets if you see damage or smell smoke. Walk through your home and listen for the sound of running water from unexpected places. A surge can silently damage solenoid valves in sprinkler systems or water softeners, causing hidden leaks.

Document any damage for your insurance company. Take clear photos of damaged electronics, scorch marks, and any resulting water damage. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. If you discover water, contact professionals for leak detection and structural drying to protect your home's integrity.

• Unplug sensitive electronics if you suspect damage, even if they seem fine
• Check for a burning smell, discolored outlets, or tripped breakers
• Inspect appliances like water heaters and HVAC units for any signs of malfunction
• Look for water leaks from appliances with electronic controls
• Have a qualified electrician inspect your home's wiring and grounding system