Cost to Install a Whole-House Surge Protector
A whole-house surge protector is mounted at the main electrical panel or an adjacent knockout and connected to bus bars and circuit-breaker terminals. Homeowners may add one as an electrical upgrade or replace a worn or damaged protector, but this is hard work because it requires access inside the panel around live electrical components.
Common reasons homeowners do this job
- Adding whole-house surge protection as part of an electrical upgrade.
- Replacing a whole-house surge protector that is worn or damaged.
- Selecting a surge protection device that is compatible with the electrical panel.
- Planning for a compatible circuit breaker when the selected device requires one.
DIY or call a pro?
A licensed electrician is required to install a whole-house surge protector. Working inside an electrical panel can expose a worker to live electrical components, creating a risk of severe shock or electrocution. Incorrect connections can create fire hazards or cause the surge protection system to fail.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I install a whole-house surge protector myself?
- Leave this to a licensed electrician. This work takes place inside the main electrical panel and should be performed by a licensed electrician because of the risk of severe shock, electrocution, fire hazards, and protection-system failure from an improper installation.
- What makes whole-house surge protector installation cost more?
- The price can increase with the job size, including the number of surge protectors, labor time, and materials. A small job may also include a minimum or trip charge.
- What should be checked before choosing a surge protection device?
- The device must be compatible with the specific brand and model of the electrical panel. Panel space should also be checked to determine whether there is room for a new breaker or whether an existing circuit needs to be managed.
- Will a whole-house surge protector need its own circuit breaker?
- Some surge protection devices require a compatible circuit breaker. Whether a breaker is required depends on the specific SPD model; panel space then needs to be checked for room to add it or manage an existing circuit.
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