Surge Protection Support

OPALCO members are responsible for protecting their own equipment and appliances (see Member Service Policy 3.2.2). OPALCO power is carefully monitored. Still, the first line of defense against damage from power fluctuations from outside or inside of your home is prevention. Surge protectors are recommended for all sensitive electronic equipment and appliances.

Now that microprocessors are common to more and more electronic devices, everything from washing machines and refrigerators to computers, phones, and of course, televisions, more of your electronics are vulnerable to fluctuations in power. The electronic “rust” that comes from low-level power fluctuations gradually degrades internal circuitry until the circuitry fails.

When it comes to electricity, fluctuations in the power supply are simply unavoidable. About 80% of all power surges are created by electronic equipment inside your home (refrigerators, furnaces motors, power tools) because these devices use a lot of energy to turn on and off, diverting power from other appliances as motors start up or shut down.