Surge Protection

Ryan Davis • February 19, 2025

Safeguard Your Home: The Essential Guide to Surge Protection

Introduction
In regions like Palatka, Florida, where thunderstorms and lightning strikes are common, the risk to home electronics and electrical systems is significantly higher than in less storm-prone areas. Every year, homeowners face the potential of severe electrical damage due to sudden surges. Understanding the importance of surge protection and implementing the right solutions can save you from costly repairs and replacements.

Why Surge Protection is Critical
A power surge is a sudden and sharp increase in voltage that significantly exceeds the standard flow of electricity (120 volts) in home wiring. These surges can be caused by lightning strikes, but they also occur when high-power electrical devices turn on and off, stressing the electrical system. Over time, even smaller surges can degrade the performance of your appliances and electronics, eventually leading to their failure.

In Palatka, the combination of frequent lightning and local power grid activities makes surge protection not just a recommendation, but a necessity. Without it, a single lightning strike can travel through your electrical lines, potentially destroying all connected appliances and electronics, from refrigerators and ovens to computers and TVs.

How Surge Protection Works
Surge protectors work by monitoring the electricity that flows through your electrical system. When they detect a voltage spike, they automatically redirect the excess electricity into the ground, preventing it from reaching your home appliances and electronics. There are several types of surge protectors, including:

  • Whole-Home Surge Protectors: Installed at your service panel, these protect all the appliances and fixtures in your home. They are especially recommended in lightning-prone areas like Palatka, as they provide a first line of defense against surges.
  • Point-of-Use Surge Protectors: These are typically used alongside whole-home surge protection. They look similar to power strips but are designed to protect devices plugged directly into them.

Installation by Professionals
Installing surge protection in your home involves more than just buying a device; it requires a professional understanding of your home’s wiring and the local power grid. At Davis Electric Services, we specialize in residential electrical solutions, including the professional installation of both whole-home and point-of-use surge protectors. Our expert team understands the unique challenges faced by Palatka homeowners and is equipped to provide the best solutions to protect your home.

Benefits of Professional Installation

  1. Customized Protection: We evaluate your home’s specific needs based on its layout, your electrical devices, and local weather patterns to recommend the best surge protection strategy.
  2. Safety and Compliance: Our installations comply with local building and safety codes, ensuring that all work is done safely and to the highest standards.
  3. Peace of Mind: With professional installation, you don’t just protect your electrical devices; you also protect your family from potential electrical hazards.

Conclusion
In areas like Palatka, where the threat of lightning is a serious concern, taking proactive steps to protect your home with surge protection is a wise investment. At Davis Electric Services, we’re committed to helping you safeguard your home against unexpected surges with professional surge protection solutions. Don’t wait for the next storm to threaten your home—contact us today to find out how we can help you maintain a safe and efficient electrical system.

By Ryan Davis July 22, 2025
As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to grow in popularity, more homeowners and businesses in Putnam County, FL are considering EV charger installation as a smart investment. Whether you drive a Tesla, Ford Lightning, or Rivian, having a reliable and properly installed charging station at home or at work makes EV ownership more convenient and efficient. At Davis Electric Services LLC, we specialize in residential and commercial EV charger installations in Palatka, East Palatka, Interlachen, and throughout Putnam County. Below, we break down what you need to know before installing an EV charger—and why working with a licensed local electrician matters. What Types of EV Chargers Are There? There are three main levels of EV chargers: Level 1: Uses a standard 120V outlet. Best for overnight charging but can be too slow for most daily driving needs. Level 2: Requires a 240V circuit. These are the most common home charging solution and can fully charge most EVs in 6–10 hours. Level 3 (DC Fast Charging): Typically used for commercial applications. These provide rapid charging but require special equipment and utility coordination. For most Putnam County homeowners, a Level 2 EV charger is the ideal balance of speed and affordability. Do I Need a Permit to Install an EV Charger in Putnam County, FL? Yes, most EV charger installations require an electrical permit, and the work must be performed by a licensed electrical contractor. Davis Electric Services LLC is licensed and insured in the state of Florida (ER13016142) and pulls all required permits to ensure your installation is compliant with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local regulations. Electrical Service Panel Considerations Many homes, especially older ones, may not have the electrical capacity to handle an EV charger without upgrading the main service panel. We offer: Panel evaluations and load calculations Panel upgrades (100A to 200A or more) Subpanel installation if needed We always perform NEC-compliant load calculations to ensure your home can handle the additional demand safely. Why Choose Davis Electric Services LLC? We’re a locally owned and operated electrical contractor based in Palatka, FL, with years of experience serving the needs of Putnam County homeowners and businesses. When you work with us, you’re getting: Professional, code-compliant installations Clean, minimally invasive workmanship Honest pricing and clear communication Local knowledge of permitting and inspection requirements We install all major brands of EV chargers, including Tesla Wall Connector, JuiceBox, ChargePoint, Blink, Grizzl-E, and more. EV Charger Installation Costs in Putnam County Every installation is different, but here’s a general idea of pricing: Level 2 EV Charger Install: Starting around $850–$1,400, depending on distance from panel and installation specifics. Panel Upgrades (if required): Starting around $1,500–$2,500. We offer free estimates and will provide a clear scope of work before beginning your project.
October 15, 2024
A residential electrical service replacement typically involves upgrading or replacing the electrical service equipment in a home to ensure that it meets modern standards and provides sufficient power for appliances and devices. Here’s a breakdown of the process: