Should You Invest in Surge Protection For Your Home?

Small investment, big returns

A child looks out a window at a storm
Photo: Catherine Falls Commercial / Moment / Getty Images
A child looks out a window at a storm
Photo: Catherine Falls Commercial / Moment / Getty Images
Highlights
  • Power surges are unpredictable and have many possible causes.

  • Replacing electronics or appliances costs thousands of dollars.

  • Installing plug-in power surge protectors costs $10 to $160.

  • Installing whole-home power surge protectors costs $70 to $3,000.

Get quotes from up to 3 pros!
Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you.
Geo Icon

Power surges are usually unpredictable and can ruin your electronics and appliances—especially if you’re unprepared. But protection comes at a cost. Is surge protection worth it? A random lightning strike or power outage can cause a surge, putting your beloved gadgets and appliances plugged into outlets at risk. (Let’s be honest; when are your gadgets not plugged in?). 

If the idea of going without worries you, consider implementing surge protection for your house.

Surge Protectors Redirect Dangerous Energy Spikes

Your electronics and appliances can only handle a certain amount of electricity, usually 120 to 169 volts. If more electricity moves through your wiring, it causes a power surge. Though most surges last only a few nanoseconds, such high voltage can damage your electronics.

A surge protector ensures that any extra electricity over the usual threshold does not pass through and, instead, redirects electricity spikes to the grounding wire. So is surge protection necessary? Most electricians and homeowners would say yes if you want to avoid potential damage to your electronics or appliances.

Unexpected Sources of Power Surges

Lighting strikes are the most common known cause of surges—and arguably one of the most damaging. If lightning hits your power line or transformer, the surge could be thousands of volts over the recommended threshold. 

Besides lightning, there are other unpredictable sources of surges. These include power outages, power company malfunctions, improperly working equipment from the utility company, and downed power lines.

According to the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, around 60% to 80% of surges are triggered by things happening inside your home, such as an overloaded circuit breaker or old wiring that constantly trip or fry your breaker. 

This means many of your electronics are at risk of damage if your home is not protected from expected (and unexpected) power surges. If you have any of these items below, you may want to consider surge protection solutions for your house.

The Price of Damage: Is Surge Protection Necessary?

Power surge damage is hardly a minor inconvenience—especially when considering the price of your TVs, laptops, and other home systems. Power surges can also affect appliances like microwaves and dishwashers.

And not all surges are as dramatic as a lightning strike or a power outage. Small surges that happen periodically in your home can decrease the longevity of your expensive electronics. In rare cases, power surges can spark electrical fires.

At minimum, you’ll need to replace any electronics or appliances that no longer work. These are the average costs of common household items:

Household ItemAverage Price
Smart TV$400 – $500
Laptop$300 – $3,000
Home theater system$2,000 – $63,000
Washer and dryer$450 – $3,800
Fridge$1,000 – $2,000
Smart home automation$170 – $1,400

In the rare, unfortunate event that the power surge leads to an electrical fire, you can expect to pay $4.70 per square foot in fire restoration costs. (These figures don’t account for the cost to replace your material possessions.)

As a result, many homeowners think acquiring surge protection for their house is worth it when considering the alternatives. Let’s take a look at the cost of a few common surge protectors below.

Plug-In Power Surge Protector Costs

A closeup of a power strip surge protector
Photo: Chaiyawat Sripimonwan / EyeEm / Getty Images

There are many power surge protectors to fit all of your needs. You can opt for a basic plug-in protector with a single outlet, or go with a rack-mount protector for your most expensive electronics.

Power Surge Protector TypeCost
Basic plug-in protector (with one or two outlets)$10
Power strips with surge protectors$10 – $40
Plug-in protectors for heavy appliances$10
Rack-mount surge protectors$70 – $160

Whole-Home Power Surge Protector Costs

A whole-home protector works by rerouting surges to the grounding wire, so they don’t reach your outlets and keep your electronics safe. The cost to install a whole home surge protector ranges between $70 to $700. You can opt for additional protection by installing an external surge protector on your utility pole. A surge protector on the electrical panel diverts excess electricity before it can reach your house. These cost $300 to $1,000

And while your electrician is at your property, paying for an electrical inspection to make sure everything looks good. That costs $100 to $400, according to HomeAdvisor.

Is Surge Protection Worth It?

Once you consider the facts about surge protection, it’s easy to see how important they are. The cost of potentially replacing your expensive electronics far surpasses the costs of installing protectors in your house. 

For peace of mind and your safety, it makes sense to use plug-in protectors at the minimum. If it’s in your budget, installing a whole-home protector is a sound investment.

Need professional help with your project?
Get quotes from top-rated pros.
The homeowners guide to electrical services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
A step stool holds electrical tools, outlet covers, and tape, while a tool bag and drill sit nearby, indicating electrical work in progress.
Apr 28, 2025
Apr 28, 2025
Looking to size up your electrical system to cover higher usage and improve efficiency? Use this guide to see the cost to upgrade an electrical panel.
An attic ventilation window of a house
Apr 9, 2025
Apr 9, 2025
Attic fan installation costs vary based on location, fan type, and other factors. Get the cost breakdown for labor, materials, and additional extras so you can work out your budget for this essential home renovation project.
Handyman Chris McNeill from C.A. Shamrock LLC  organizing his tool bag in the back of a work van filled with equipment, toolboxes, and various tools.
Apr 9, 2025
Apr 9, 2025
Wondering about the cost to ground a house? Pricing depends on the material of the rod and how much the electrician charges per hour.
Electrician installing electric wire
Apr 14, 2025
Apr 14, 2025
Home electrical wiring must be handled carefully. Here’s a breakdown of what you can do yourself and when you need an electrician.
Angie Hicks looking at the smart thermostat installed in this home
Apr 9, 2025
Apr 9, 2025
Discover if you need an electrician to replace a thermostat. Get expert advice and make the right choice for your home comfort.
new home construction electrical wiring
Apr 14, 2025
Apr 14, 2025
Electrical wiring is an essential part of new home construction. Learn how to devise a solid plan for all of your new home’s electrical needs.