Understand what surge protection can and cannot do
Surge protection is intended to help limit the effects of certain voltage surges on an electrical installation and connected equipment. It does not provide backup power, and it does not guarantee that equipment can never be damaged. We discuss the proposed protection in relation to your existing system and the devices you want to protect. Equipment selection and installation requirements matter, so this work starts with a review of the property. Tell us about any existing protective devices and planned electrical changes. That information helps define the scope without overstating what a surge protection installation can deliver.
Install alarms for the property and the project
We install hardwired smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms and combination smoke/CO units. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms detect different hazards. The appropriate equipment, locations, power arrangements, and any interconnection requirements depend on the property and applicable rules. We review those factors when discussing installation or replacement work. If the project is part of a renovation, share the plans and identify existing alarms where possible. You do not need to select all the equipment before contacting us. We can discuss the electrical installation requirements first, then define the agreed scope. An installed alarm also needs ongoing attention according to its manufacturer's instructions after the electrical work is complete.
Use a clear scope for separate safety improvements
Surge protection and alarm installation can be discussed together, but each needs its own explanation in the project scope. We identify the proposed equipment and electrical work, review access, and address applicable permit and safety requirements. You approve pricing before work begins. Let us know whether you are replacing existing equipment, adding coverage, or including the work in a larger electrical project. If an alarm is currently sounding or there are signs of an active fire or carbon monoxide emergency, leave the property and call emergency services. An estimate request is not the right response to an immediate hazard.
Common questions
Will surge protection keep my power on during an outage?
No. Surge protection and backup power serve different purposes. A surge protective device does not supply electricity when the utility power is unavailable. We can explain the proposed protection as part of your electrical project without presenting it as an outage solution or a guarantee against all equipment damage.
Can you replace existing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms?
Yes. We can assess the existing installation and discuss replacement within the agreed scope. The equipment needs to suit its location and any applicable power or interconnection requirements. Share information about the current alarms and whether the work is part of a renovation or a separate update.
What should I do if a carbon monoxide alarm sounds?
Leave the building and move to fresh air. Call emergency services from outside and follow their instructions. Do not wait for an electrician's estimate or assume the alarm is a device fault. Electrical service can be discussed after the immediate emergency has been addressed.
Technical planning notes & references
BEFORE WE QUOTE THE WORK
Surge protection and alarms solve different problems
Specify surge protection correctly
The device must suit the system and installation method. It does not replace grounding, circuit protection or assessment of damaged wiring. No device can promise protection from every electrical event.
Treat alarms as a system
Smoke and carbon-monoxide alarm type, placement, interconnection and power must suit applicable requirements and manufacturer instructions. Define which alarms are included and how they will be tested. A surge project does not imply alarm coverage has also been reviewed.