Can Power Surges Destroy Appliances?

Power surges can permanently destroy appliances, and they do so far more often than most homeowners realize. A surge severe enough to damage a refrigerator compressor controller, a television mainboard, or a smart thermostat can happen in a fraction of a second — often without any visible sign that anything occurred.

Can Power Surges Destroy Appliances?

Yes. Power surges destroy appliances in two ways: instantaneous dielectric breakdown that kills a component in microseconds, and cumulative degradation that weakens components over months until they fail under normal load.

Whole-Home Surge Protection

The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) recommends whole-home surge protection installed at the service entrance as the most comprehensive protection. An SPD installed at the panel intercepts surges before they reach any branch circuit in the home. This is not a DIY installation — an improperly installed SPD can fail dangerously under a large surge event.

Contact Us

Want whole-home surge protection installed? Our ESA-certified electricians serve the GTA. Call us at 416-838-9006 or visit our contact page.

Amir Azimipour

Electrician Since 2008 Journeyman Electrician Designated Master Electrician at EZSMART Corp