Protect Your Home from Power Surges

What is a “power surge”?
A power surge is a sudden increase or decrease in the flow of electricity. These power surges can occur in your home internally from motors/equipment malfunctioning (such as air conditioners, garage door openers, washers, dryers, refrigerators, vacuums, etc.) but also externally from utility power company transfers/maintenance, damaged power lines, car accidents to a power pole, etc. Most commonly, power surges can occur during inclement weather conditions, hurricane season, and of course, the random Florida PM thunderstorms. However, do not be fooled, these surges can happen anytime, rain or shine. These surges can enter your home and spread from different routes, such as low voltage (cable or phone lines).

What can I do to protect my home from a power surge?
To protect your home from power surges, you can begin by installing a “circuit panel” style surge suppression device. This device can reduce the spikes, or completely stop the spikes before they enter through the panel and disperse throughout your home.  This is good protection method for major appliances such as washers, dryers, ovens/ranges, refrigerators, water heaters, air conditioners, and so much more. 

In the Villages, Pike’s Electric has been using the Eaton Ultra “Whole Home” surge protection device for over 10 years. We have installed thousands of these units with great success and most of our employees have even invested in them for their own homes. Backed with a 5 year manufacturer warranty, the product comes with peace of mind that if a surge occurs while you are away, your valuables have a blanket of protection. 

But you shouldn’t stop there. For additional protection, surge suppression devices should be installed within 15 feet of sensitive electronics. This is typically accomplished with the standard surge protection plug-in units, “surge strips”, and other point-of-use surge devices. We also suggest you consult with your internet/phone/cable company for any protection they may offer on their equipment. Surges can travel through low voltage lines (including your irrigation system) which may travel through to your phone/internet/cable lines from the low voltage panel. T.V.s, entertainment systems, internet equipment, gaming consoles, etc. are susceptible to this route of surge. Without protection or insurance from your internet/TV provider, you may be faced with replacing that equipment as well. 

I have the surge protection device installed by my power company. Am I able to have the Eaton Ultra installed as well?
Yes, absolutely. As long as your panel or meter main (whichever applies) has two free breaker spaces, we will be able to install the Eaton Ultra. The power company surge protection is great for any surge that may travel into the home through the meter. Our protector, is installed in the interior of the home at the panel box. This gives even more protection for any route a surge may travel through, if for some reason the surge is strong enough to pass through the meter and into the home’s panel. Without this protection at the panel, you may be at risk of losing the major appliances in your home if the surge is strong enough to damage the internal components.

Will the Eaton Ultra protect my T.V.s and/or computers?
A power surge through a low voltage line (irrigation/phone/internet lines) can be susceptible to damage from a surge. Thus, if you have cable boxes wired in, modems, or routers, they may be at risk to that type of power surge. Point-of-use protection devices, or surge strips, are highly suggested for electronics in addition to the Eaton Ultra. Our advice, protect all areas as much as possible with multiple surge protection devices. When shopping for surge strips, take a look at the cost and the rating of surge strength. “You get what you pay for” is our advice.

How much does a Eaton Ultra Surge protector install cost?
Our surge protection installations start at $545.00 (Restrictions apply). The Eaton Ultra requires (2) free breaker spaces in the panel. If you have any questions on the further requirements for this installation or to schedule, you are welcome to contact our Service Department at 352-748-6251. We will walk you through the process and schedule one of our skilled technicians to install the unit as soon as possible.

We encourage you to visit Eaton’s website for further information:

Landscape lighting is used illuminate walkways, accentuate foliage and landscape features. It not only provides safety when it’s dark, but also increases the amount of time that can be spent enjoying the outdoors. A recent study by the American Society of Landscape Architects found that ninety-two percent of Americans are now interested in lighting up the exteriors of their home.

Much of the new popularity of landscape lighting is due to advances in technology.  Installation of landscape lighting used to be a costly undertaking, and was seldom used outside of large estates or businesses. But new advancements with low-voltage systems have made landscape lighting much less expensive and easier to install, sometimes as fast as one day.   The new systems are also more flexible and easier to update.  To give a price range, 15 to 20 lights can be installed for less than four hundred dollars per light, including a 600-watt transformer.

If you are considering the installation of landscape lighting, there are several steps you should consider.

Define Your Purpose

First, think about the purpose of your landscape lighting.  You may be interested in creating an attractive and inviting night-time atmosphere, you may be interested in increased security, or you may just want to illuminate landscaping boundaries.

Make a Sketch of Your Yard

Once you have decided the purpose of your landscape lighting, make a sketch of your yard. Include all foliage, paths, and objects, and make a note of the height. Consider shadows, light reflections, light absorptions, and obstructions. This will help you decide the number and placement of the lights.

Pick the Locations of the Lights 

Now that you have defined the purpose of your landscaping and considered all of the details in your sketch, you are ready to decide the placement of your lights. Lights for security may be placed differently than lights for atmosphere or safety. Soft lighting can be hidden under foliage; feature objects can be illuminated with spotlights; and short stake lights are perfect to light up pathways.

Determine How Much Effort You are Willing to Commit

If you have a large project, 120 volt lighting may be necessary, which requires the greatest effort and expense. There are guidelines that require an expert licensed electrician, such as the 18-inch minimum depth of the wiring.  Lower voltage lighting can use an outdoor transformer, and are much less expensive and easier to install.

Always trust licensed certified electricians for advice and guidance. Call the experts at Pike’s Electric.

Pike’s Electric Now Installing Vehicle Charging Stations

… Also known as EV charging stations, an electric vehicle charging station is an infrastructure that supplies electric energy for the recharging of electric vehicles, such as electric cars, neighborhood electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles.  New charging stations are being installed by public authorities, commercial enterprises and major employers to keep up with the demand created by the growing market for vehicles that use alternative fuels to gasoline and diesel fuels.

As of March 2013, 5,678 public charging stations existed across the United States, with 16,256 public charging points, of which 3,990 were located in California, 1,417 in Texas, and 1,141 in Washington. As of November 2012, about 15,000 charging stations had been installed in Europe.

As America become more energy conscious, electric and hybrid cars are becoming more main-stream.  This has resulted in a high demand for electric charging stations across the US.  As part of its commitment to environmental sustainability, Pikes Electric is becoming more involved with the installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations.

Pike’s Electric was established January 1, 1988 by Russell Pike. His venture began from his home on Highway 33 in Groveland, with Russell and one service van. The company was incorporated on January 1, 1992. In 1994 property was purchased in Groveland and an office and warehouse were built.

The company continued to grow and in October of 2001, Pike’s Electric opened its second location in Wildwood. In August of 2005 they opened a third location in Dundee.  Now at 100 employees, Pike’s Electric is located in Wildwood, serving The Villages, Sumter, and Lake County.

We take great pride in the quality of work performed for our customers.  It has been our superior quality, excellent service, and positive attitude that has enabled our company to grow.

Our Services

• Remodels & Wire Replacement • Ceiling Fan Installation • Commercial Electricians • Electric Vehicle Charging Stations • Free Electrical Estimates • Generator Installation • Service Electricians • Surge Protectors • Landscape Lighting • New Construction • Panel Upgrades • Outlet Installation & Repairs • Spa & Swimming Pool Wiring • Trouble shooting • Golf Cart Outlets • Post Light Repairs

We are an A+ BBB business and Super Service Award winner 2014 2015 2016 with Angies List.  Our Electricians are Highly Qualified and Trained, Drug Free, Background Checked, Clean and Courteous.