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We all know that when summer rolls around, so do the thunderstorms. In Minnesota, we have an average of 30-40 summer storms every year, which means we get a hefty dose of dangerous lightning and potentially damaging winds. To protect your home and family, it is critical that you prepare for severe weather by taking the appropriate steps.

At Harrison Electric, we know how damaging Minnesota’s weather can be. That’s why, for over 30 years, we’ve been helping homeowners like you recoup after storms wreak havoc on their properties. We also know that when properly prepared, your home won’t sustain nearly as much damage. Below, we discuss a few measures you can take to better protect your home from the effects of severe weather. 

When lightning strikes, be ready for it with a lightning protection system from Harrison Electric. Lightning can cause extensive damage to your electrical wiring as well as the internal and external construction of your home. The average lightning bolt contains approximately one billion joules of energy—that’s enough to power a 60-watt light bulb for nearly six months! So if lightning strikes your home, that massive amount of energy courses directly through your home’s electrical system. This phenomenon often results in fire, or even explosion, causing extensive damage to your property. 

However, with a lightning protection system installed, you can rest easy knowing that your home is safe from the damaging effects of dangerous bolts. A lightning protection system keeps your home safe by channeling the energy from a lightning strike through a rod or a network of conductor cables. Energy is then directed to grounding rods, where it dissipates, leaving your wiring and your home untouched. Our expert electricians can guide you in choosing the best product for your needs and will install your system flawlessly.

Just one lightning strike during a storm can destroy your home’s electrical work and your expensive appliances. One way you can protect your investment is by having professionally installed, whole-house surge protection. Most people have seen the common powerstrip-style surge protectors used to protect your household electronics, but whole-house systems are much different. These systems typically attach to your electrical service box through hard wiring, and because they require proper grounding to safeguard your home, installing them is never a do-it-yourself-job. 

Whole-house surge protectors work by redirecting excessive power safely away from your home’s circuitry. These surge protectors create a very low impedance path for excess voltage to follow, and because electricity always follows the path of least resistance toward the ground, this path directs excess power away from your home. Whole-house surge protectors can also protect your wiring and appliances from other sources of electrical surges of which there are many.

When storms roll in, be ready for them with professionally installed protection from the expert electricians at Harrison Electric. We know your home is a significant investment, and we’re here to help you keep it protected. If your home has already sustained damage, our experienced electricians are here to provide professional and prompt electrical repair. When you need the highest-quality electrical service, we’re here to provide it. To request service, or get an estimate, contact our team at 763-544-3300.