Professional Type 1, Type 2 & Combined surge protection. Verified grounding. Written quotes. Full documentation.
Most homes spend more on plug-in strips over a decade than a single whole-house surge protector.
Most homes in Los Altos, CA spend more on plug-in surge strips over a decade than they would on a single whole-house surge protector that does the actual work. The math isn't subtle.
A whole-house surge protector intercepts large voltage spikes before they enter the home's branch circuits. Together with quality plug-in protectors at sensitive devices, it provides layered defense.
1st Choice Electrical Services installs these properly across Los Altos, and we'll explain the math out loud before you commit to anything.
At the service entrance (line side of main breaker). Highest clamping capacity. Ideal for storm-prone areas or homes with heavy electronics.
Standard residential install at the main panel. Excellent protection for most homes in Los Altos against utility switching and induced lightning surges.
Maximum protection in one unit. Best for homes with solar arrays, detached structures, or high-value equipment.
Dedicated surge protection for workshops, garages, and ADUs with their own sub-panels.
We test grounding before replacement. Once the indicator light is off, the device is no longer protecting your home.
Standard 200-amp panel with spare spaces: Type 2 install. ~90 minutes on site. Low end of the range.
150-amp panel with no spare spaces: Added small sub-panel + surge device. ~3 hours. Middle of the range.
Lightning damage + home office: Combined Type 1+2 + grounding upgrade. Half day. Higher range.
Written quote before any work begins. Price stands unless hidden issues are found.
Test existing grounding before quoting
Device effectiveness depends on proper grounding.
Size device to your actual exposure
Not whatever is cheapest on the truck.
Post-install verification + full documentation
"The first approach is faster. The second is what gets called when something goes wrong with the first."
Get the math, in writing. Same-day and next-day appointments available across Los Altos, CA.
Click Here to Call (888) 355-9624