How much does a whole-house surge protector cost?
How much does a whole-house surge protector cost?
$60 – $500+ average cost for unit only
$200 – $800 average cost for unit with installation
Whole-house surge protector
A whole-house surge protector costs $60 to $500+ for the unit alone or $200 to $800 with installation, depending on the type, brand, protection rating, and the electrical labor required. A whole-home surge protection device (SPD) protects your electronics, appliances, wiring, and HVAC system against damage from power surges.
| Surge protector type | Average cost (unit only) |
Average cost (with installation) |
|---|---|---|
| Type 1 (highest protection) |
$100 – $500+ | $250 – $800 |
| Type 2 (secondary protection) |
$60 – $300 | $200 – $450 |
| Type 3 (point-of-use protection) |
$10 – $60 | DIY installation |
Type 1 surge protector
A Type 1 surge protection device costs $100 to $500+ for the unit alone or $250 to $800 with installation and offers the highest level of protection. Type 1 surge protectors are designed to handle high-energy surges from external sources like lightning.
A Type 1 SPD is a permanent surge protector installed at the external electrical service entrance or the "line side" of the main electrical panel. These devices require installation by a licensed electrician. DIY installation is illegal in many states and may also invalidate your homeowners insurance.
Type 2 surge protector
A Type 2 surge protector costs $60 to $300 for the unit alone or $200 to $450 with professional installation. A Type 2 SPD is a permanent surge protector installed in the main electrical panel or subpanel and protects one or multiple circuits on the panel.
Type 2 surge protectors are designed to handle secondary or internally generated surges but typically also provide some protection against external surges. For safety purposes, hire a licensed electrician to handle the installation unless you have extensive experience working with high voltages.
Type 3 surge protector
A Type 3 surge protector costs $10 to $60 on average and is a point-of-use device that plugs into a standard wall outlet and features three to six additional outlets to protect specific electronics or small appliances. Power strips with added surge protection are considered Type 3 surge protectors.
Type 3 SPDs don't require professional installation. Though these devices don't offer whole-house protection, they provide added protection for sensitive electronics against small internal surges.
For the best protection, use a layered approach. Install a Type 1 surge protector after the meter and a Type 2 surge protector at the electrical panel. In addition, use Type 3 surge protectors for sensitive electronic devices.
Whole-house surge protector cost factors
The following factors impact the cost to install a whole-house surge protector:
Surge protector type: Type 1 surge protectors typically cost more than Type 2 devices because they offer the most protection.
Protection rating / surge capacity: The surge protection rating is the maximum amount of electrical current the device can absorb, measured in kiloamperes (kA), or thousands of amps. Whole-house surge protectors are rated for 10kA to 108kA or more, and models with higher ratings typically cost more. Choose a model rated for at least 30kA for lightning protection.
Brand: The surge protector brand also impacts the price. Popular and reputable brands include Eaton, Siemons, Leviton, Intermatic, and Schneider Electric.
NEMA enclosure rating: Surge protectors with a NEMA 1-rated enclosure are suitable for indoor use only. Enclosures rated NEMA 4X are designed for indoor or outdoor use and protect from rain, sleet, snow, hose-directed water, and windblown dirt.
Your home's electrical setup: If your home has a subpanel, it may require an additional surge protector, increasing the total cost.
Warranty: Each surge protector model comes with a different amount of warranty coverage—the maximum reimbursement amount to cover the cost to replace damaged electronics, devices, and appliances if the surge protector fails.
Before you select a specific surge protector, carefully review the warranty terms. Most whole-house surge protector warranties come with extensive limitations and requirements.
Installation cost
Whole-house surge protector installation costs $140 to $300 for labor alone. Professional installation is crucial, as most surge protector warranties only cover damage to appliances and electronics if a licensed electrician installs the device.
Electricians cost $50 to $130 per hour on average. Many electricians also charge a $100 to $200 service call fee, which typically covers the first hour.
Benefits of a whole-home surge protector
A whole-house surge protector can provide peace of mind by safeguarding your valuable appliances and electronics. These devices provide several benefits, including:
Protection not just for electronics but also major appliances, HVAC systems, outlets, and wiring
Reduced risk of electrical fires
Better protection from electrocution
Increased home resale value
Less need for point-of-use surge protectors throughout the home
Potential discount on homeowners insurance policy
Whole-home surge protectors have very few disadvantages. Their upfront cost is often far less than what it would cost to replace electronics or appliances damaged by a power surge.
Whole-house surge protector FAQs
What is a whole-house surge protector?
A whole-house surge protector is a device installed on or near your electrical panel to safeguard your home's appliances, electronics, and wiring from damage caused by sudden spikes in electricity. These surges can come from external sources like lightning or power company switching or from internal events like overloaded circuits.
How does a whole-house surge protector work?
When a power surge occurs, a whole-house surge protector redirects excess voltage to the ground, preventing it from entering your home's wiring and potentially causing damage to sensitive electronics, appliances, and other systems.
Are whole-house surge protectors worth it?
A whole-home surge protector offers valuable protection, particularly for modern homes filled with sensitive electronics. When compared to the high cost of replacing damaged appliances and electronic devices, a surge protector can be a wise investment.
Whole-house surge protectors are especially helpful if you live in an area prone to lightning strikes or have expensive appliances, computers, or home theater equipment.
Do whole-house surge protectors work against lightning?
Whole-house surge protectors are designed to protect against power surges caused by lightning. However, they're not entirely impervious to direct lightning strikes, and the amount of protection depends on the surge protector type and its protection rating or surge capacity.
In addition to installing a whole-house surge protector, confirm your house is correctly grounded with a grounding wire on the main electrical panel and an exterior grounding rod. The cost to ground a house is $100 to $700 if either of these items is missing or faulty.
Are whole-house surge protectors required by code?
Whole-house surge protectors are not mandatory in most areas, but some cities now require installing these devices in new construction or during major electrical work. In addition, the National Fire Protection Association recommends all new homes have Type 1 or Type 2 surge protection devices.
Getting estimates from electricians
Keep these important details in mind when choosing an electrician near you to install a whole-house surge protector:
Compare estimates from 3 electricians who are licensed, insured, and have been in business for 5+ years.
Look for electricians with experience specifically installing whole-house surge protectors.
Read reviews from other customers on HomeGuide and Google.
Get a written estimate before making any payments.
Ask the electrician about the warranty on both the surge protector and the installation labor.
Read the fine print on the surge protector's warranty to ensure you understand the coverage, limitations, and requirements.
Questions to ask electricians
Ask your electrician these important questions when installing a whole-home surge protector:
How many whole-house surge protectors have you installed in the past year?
What size whole-house surge protector do I need?
Which brand and model do you recommend?
How will the surge protector be integrated with my existing electrical system?
Are there any safety considerations or precautions I should be aware of during installation?
How long will the surge protector last?
What warranty coverage comes with the surge protector?
Do you warranty the installation labor?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.