- RAISE THE STANDARD.. EVERY JOB.. EVERY TIME!
Bay City
- (989) 778-2500
Traverse City
- (989) 778-2500
- RAISE THE STANDARD.. EVERY JOB.. EVERY TIME!
- (989) 778-2500
- (231) 778-2501
MENU
Bay City
Traverse City
We plug in more than ever—TVs, gaming systems, appliances, smart home devices, chargers, laptops, and expensive HVAC equipment. A single power surge can wipe out thousands of dollars in electronics in an instant.
That’s why whole-home surge protection is no longer a luxury. It’s a necessity. And now, it’s required by the National Electrical Code for all new panel installs and upgrades.
At BTE Electric, we install surge protection devices that guard your home from the inside out—so the next storm, outage, or power spike doesn’t become a disaster.
A surge protection device, or SPD, is installed directly on your home’s electrical panel to stop sudden, damaging voltage spikes before they can reach sensitive equipment.
Think of it as a shield. When a surge comes down the line—whether from lightning, utility switching, or internal equipment cycling—your SPD redirects it safely to ground before it hits your appliances or electronics.
Unlike a power strip, which protects one outlet, a whole-home SPD guards every circuit in your home.
ANSWER: Most surges don’t come from lightning (though those are bad). The majority come from within your own home when large appliances turn on and off—AC units, dryers, or refrigerators kicking on can create spikes that slowly wear down electronics.
Over time, these micro-surges degrade devices and shorten their lifespan. One big surge can destroy them completely.
You need surge protection if:
ANSWER: At Bierlein-Trombley Electric, we don’t just “add a box” to your panel. We install high-quality, code-compliant SPDs that are properly rated and matched to your system. The SPDs we install even come with an equipment warranty that help offset cost of repairs or replacement if a major surge occurs (of course, we have to say it, restrictions apply)
Every installation includes:
And if we’re already upgrading your panel or service, we include whole-home surge protection as part of the job—because it’s now required and just makes sense.
ANSWER: Whole-home surge protection installation typically ranges from $250–$500 per panel protected, depending on your panel type and existing wiring.
It’s a one-time investment that protects your electronics and appliances 24/7—no batteries, no resets, no hassle.
We’ll show you the best device options for your system and explain what you’re getting in plain English. No upselling. No tech speak.
ANSWER: A lot of homeowners ask:
“Can’t I just use a surge protector power strip?”
Good question! Power strips only protect what’s plugged into them—and even then, they often degrade after one or two surges. Most offer limited protection and no grounding.
A whole-home surge protection device:
In short: Power strips are a backup. SPDs are your front-line defense.
ANSWER: Here’s the truth: no surge protector can make your home “lightning-proof.” A direct strike is an extreme event, and while a properly installed SPD will divert most of that energy to ground, it can be damaged in the process.
If your SPD absorbs a major surge, it’s designed to sacrifice itself to protect the rest of your system. That means it may need to be replaced afterward—but it did its job.
Good news: most of the models we install include:
If you suspect a recent storm caused a surge, or if your SPD indicator shows it’s no longer active, call BTE right away. We’ll inspect the device, check your panel, and replace it if necessary—often under the warranty terms.
ANSWER: We install surge protection the right way—with code compliance, panel compatibility, and long-term reliability in mind.
Homeowners trust us because:
It only takes one surge to cause thousands of dollars in damage. For less than the cost of a new TV, you can protect your entire home.
Schedule a surge protection consultation with BTE today—whether you’re upgrading your panel, building a new home, or just want better peace of mind.