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FAQ

What are my bill payment options?

E-bill

E-bill is a free option for any NGEMC customer interested in receiving and reviewing their electric bill securely over the Internet. Using E-bill, you will receive an E-bill notification on the bill date.

  • 24-Hour Access: Your statement will be sent to your email and will be available to you anytime, day or night.
  • Record Keeping: You can store and access your statement on your computer’s hard drive for future reference and retrieve past statements through our online secure server.
  • Environmentally Friendly: E-bill eliminates paper billing and the resources it takes to make and deliver your bill each month.
Bank Draft

Pay your bill automatically each month from your checking account. You still receive a bill ahead of time denoting the amount that will be drafted on the due date. Sign up for bank draft at any office or online.

Levelized billing

Levelized billing makes your bill amounts predictable and more consistent year-round. Because it is based on a rolling average of the current and previous 11-month period, the amount due will fluctuate slightly.

Your actual energy use will continue to show on your bill and on our online usage graphs so you can still monitor the amount of electricity your home consumes.

To participate in levelized billing you must

  1. Be an NGEMC member for at least 12 months at the same service address,
  2. Have a zero balance, and
  3. Keep your account current.

Log in to your account to sign up. 

E-Check- 24/7 Option

Pay online or over the phone 24/7 with our electronic checking service. Simply set up a profile online or over the phone (you will need your banking and bill account information) and you will be able to make your payment any day, anytime at your convenience. When paying by E-Check, be prepared to provide the following required information: driver’s license number, bank routing number, bank account number, date of birth, phone number and the type of account (checking or savings).

Payment options are unavailable nightly between 11:49 p.m. and 12:01 a.m. and on the last day of the month from 9:59 pm to 12:01 a.m for system processing. 

Free Mobile App- 24/7 Option

The My NGEMC Account App for Android™ and Apple™ makes it easier than ever to do business with us. With this free app, you can do the following: 

  • Report Power Outages
  • Make Payments
  • Update Account Information
  • Manage Alerts & Reminders
  • Receive Notifications
  • View Electricity Use 

Download the app from Google Play or the App Store. 

The NGEMC Mobile App is free to download and install. If you have more questions about the NGEMC Mobile App, visit our FAQ page.

Payment options are unavailable nightly between 11:49 p.m. and 12:01 a.m. and on the last day of the month from 9:59 pm to 12:01 a.m for system processing. 

Credit or Debit Card

Use your VISA, MasterCard, Discover or American Express to pay your electric bill either online or over the phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Credit card payments can be made over the phone, online, in our lobbies, or at any of our self-serve kiosks located at our offices in Dalton, Fort Oglethorpe and Calhoun. There is a minimum of $20 and a maximum of $2000 per billing period when paying your bill by credit or debit card.

CheckOut- Pay at your neighborhood retailer

NGEMC members can now pay their bill at the cash register of dozens of retail locations throughout our seven-county service area. The CheckOut service allows members to pay their bills at any of the locations listed on their website. A $1.50 convenience fee will be collected by our third-party retail partners on every transaction.

TO GET STARTED: Visit the Checkout homepage and enter your NGEMC account number to get your barcode. Please note that this is different from the barcode printed on your NGEMC bill. Bring this barcode with you to one of our participating retail locations. The cashier will scan your barcode and enter the amount you would like to pay. Your payment will post to your account within a matter of minutes.

The Checkout Service is available for both regular and Prepay accounts.

Please note: this option is meant to give our members one of many ways to conveniently pay their bill. NGEMC will NEVER call you to demand immediate payment or instruct to load a prepaid card at a specific retailer and return our call with the card number. Similar scams have been in operation in the past. Visit our Scam Alert page for more details.

Self-Service Payment Centers- 24/7 Option

Self-service payment centers are located at NGEMC offices in Dalton, Calhoun, Fort Oglethorpe, and Trion. These touchscreen stations accept cash, credit/debit card, and check.

Change is not given for cash payments; instead a bill credit is applied.

Payments to NGEMC made through the payment kiosks are posted immediately. 

These kiosks also accept other utility and mortgage payments. Fees for making other types of payments vary depending on the business arrangement with the kiosk vendor. These other types of payments are typically posted next day.

Payment options are unavailable nightly between 11:49 p.m. and 12:01 a.m. and on the last day of the month from 9:59 pm to 12:01 a.m. for system processing.  

Locations:

Dalton office drive-thru
1850 Cleveland Hwy.
Dalton, GA 30721

Fort Oglethorpe drive-thru
3368 Battlefield Pkwy.
Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742

Calhoun office drive-thru
1128 S. Wall St.
Calhoun, GA 30701

Trion office drive-thru
13822 Hwy. 27
Trion, GA 30753

Mail, drop box, and drive-thru attendants

Bills can be mailed or placed in our 24 hour drop boxes.

Find locations and hours for NGEMC offices.

Self-service kiosks are located at all NGEMC office drive-throughs and are accessible 24/7/365.

Important to know if paying by check

NGEMC customers who provide a check as a payment authorize North Georgia EMC either to use the information from your check to make a one-time electronic fund transfer from your account or to process the payment as a check transaction.

When we use information from your check to make an electronic funds transfer, funds may be withdrawn from your account as soon as the same day we receive your payment and you will not receive your check back from your financial institution.

If you have questions about the check conversion process, please call our member services representatives at any office. 

A note on 24-7 payment options

Payment options are unavailable nightly between 11:49 p.m. and 12:01 a.m. and on the last day of the month from 9:59 pm to 12:01 a.m for system processing. 

Power Outage FAQ

How long will it take to restore my power?

Depending on the nature and extent of a storm's damage, it may be difficult to estimate a time when power may be restored in various locations. NGEMC crews work to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.

We understand that being without power is frustrating, and during widespread outages NGEMC crews work around the clock until everyone’s power is restored.

Can you tell me when you’re going to get to the outage at my home/business?

When there is extensive or widespread damage, there are too many variables at play for us to estimate when we’ll be in specific locations.

Here’s how the power restoration process works in such a situation:

Right after a storm hits, we begin assessing the damage based on a combination of remote monitoring and customer calls. However, it is not uncommon for us to find, when our crews arrive at a location to repair the damage, that the scope of damage is not exactly what was expected.

Not knowing the exact scope of work needed until we arrive on the scene is the primary reason we are not able to estimate the time it will take to get to specific locations. So, if you can see anything unusual, like a tree down on a line, and you can give us that information and location when you call, it is helpful.

Additionally, following large storms, with thousands of damaged locations, new damage being reported daily, and the changing scope of work and conditions, there is simply not a reliable way to predict when we’ll reach certain areas.  For example, we may reach an area only to find out we will need a boat to reach a span of wire or that there are massive trees down in our way.

However, when the extent of power outage warrants it, our crews do work 24/7 to restore power. And they don't stop working until everyone is back on.

Who gets their power restored first?

Any damage to NGEMC substations or main distribution lines from the substations must be repaired first in order to restore the flow of power and locate damaged primary and secondary lines before individual businesses and residences can be restored.  

Please have a backup source of power ready for any essential medical equipment. 

Rest assured that we continue working 24/7 to restore power and we do not stop until everyone is back on.

Why is my neighbor's electricity on but mine is off?

 There are several possible reasons for this.

  • A circuit breaker or main service breaker may have been activated. This may be reactivated by the home owner. 
  • Some neighborhoods get electricity from several different circuits, so you may notice your lights are out, but your neighbors have power.
  • There may be a damaged transformer serving 3 or 4 homes in the neighborhood, but the transformers serving the remaining homes are working properly.
  • The line connecting power from your street to your home could be broken.
  • There may be damage to your meter or the equipment that holds the meter (meter center). If your meter center is damaged, contact a licensed electrician to repair it.
  • Make sure that you’ve reported your power outage to North Georgia EMC – we may not be aware that your power is out unless you let us know.

We do work 24/7 to restore power and we will not stop until everyone is back on.

How do I know if my home is included on the list of those to be restored?

If you have reported your outage to us, you are on the power restoration list. If you haven’t reported your outage, please contact us:

My NGEMC Account Mobile App

 Report your outage using our Mobile App available for free for Android and iPhone mobile devices.   

Telephone

During periods of high call volume, hold times may be longer than usual.

Thank you for your patience.

Dalton – (706) 259-9441; Calhoun – (706) 629-3160;
Fort Oglethorpe – (706) 866-2231; Trion – (706) 734-7341

During major outages, outage updates and restoration progress will be posted to our social media pages. 

Renewable Energy FAQ

  • SOLAR
  • Solar Resources
Is NGEMC testing different solar technologies?

Yes. Through TVA’s Solar Solutions Initiative (SSI) with local power companies, NGEMC has installed a solar array at our Dalton office with a 89.6 kW generation capacity. The array may supply up to 15 percent of our Dalton building’s needs and give us first‐hand knowledge of solar technologies.

Can I install solar panels at my home or business on the NGEMC distribution system?

Yes, you could install a PV system yourself, but it may be wiser to hire a professional contractor so you can avoid complications or injury. Be sure to ask NGEMC about its interconnection requirements, including costs and liability insurance. If you have not already talked with NGEMC about your plans, do so now by contacting our energy services team. Discuss the steps you have taken to get to this point and provide information on the PV system you are considering. You need to make sure that the system meets NGEMC’s criteria for interconnection.

You may have many other questions about a solar power system’s installation cost, reliability, size and space needed, lifetime, performance at night or on cloudy days and what federal and state tax incentives are available. Visit the Solar 101webpage for answers to many solar frequently asked questions. 

  • Sample Dispersed Power Providers Program (DPP) interconnection agreement.
  • Sample non-DPP interconnection agreement.
If I were to offset my normal electric consumption, will I still have a bill from NGEMC?

Yes. You will still be charged the System Support Fee (SSF), taxes and any extra charges if you pay for an outdoor light each month.

Does NGEMC use net metering for solar?

No. Our metering is bi-directional.

Does NGEMC need to know ahead of time that I am installing solar?

Yes. It is a good idea for you or your vendor to let us know once the project is agreed upon. We will need a copy of the one-line diagram for your system to check for loading issues and approve your plan for installation. Also, check with your local building authority for local ordinances. If you live in a community with a home-owners association, you may have to get approval from them as well.

  • Sample Dispersed Power Providers Program (DPP) interconnection agreement.
  • Sample non-DPP interconnection agreement.
Can I install my solar array in front of the meter?

All solar installs will have to be behind the meter. Your array disconnect needs to be installed close to your electric meter and clearly labeled as the array disconnect.

Does NGEMC pay for generation not consumed?

Currently NGEMC does not pay for excess generation pushed back to the grid. The TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) Dispersed Power Production program (DPP) is the only option to receive payback. If you participate in this program, you will be charged $5.25 a month for NGEMC to report the data to TVA for you to get paid. Visit the following link to review current program rates and guidelines: 

https://www.tva.com/energy/valley-renewable-energy/dispersed-power-production-program

Is there an application or agreement I need to sign?

Yes. You will need to sign an interconnection agreement. We have two: one is for consuming all you generate to offset your usage and sending the excess back to the grid with no credit/compensation. The second one is for generating/consuming and selling the excess to TVA thru the DPP program. Once the agreement is approved by NGMEC, you and your vendor will receive a copy. TVA requires that you have been approved by NGEMC before you can enroll in the DPP program.

Once the agreement and design are approved by NGEMC, installation can begin.

  • Sample Dispersed Power Providers Program (DPP) interconnection agreement.
  • Sample non-DPP interconnection agreement.
Does NGEMC charge to interconnect to the grid?

No. If the system is not able to be commissioned on the first visit by our technician, then a $275.00 trip charge will be adjusted to the account for each trip afterwards.

Will my transformer or lines need to be changed before I install solar?

Our engineering department will review your plans. If any facility upgrades are needed, you will be responsible for the costs associated. This work will need to be completed before your system is installed. If you are installing panels on a large piece of property, a load study may have to be completed before the work is started. This will be the customers responsibility to pay for as well.

Does NGEMC have a list of preferred solar installers?

No, we do not have a list of preferred contractors. There are a lot of companies coming into the area. Research if solar is right for you before you sign any contracts.

What other items do I need to know before installing?

Will your roof need an update in the next couple of years? If so, it may be a good idea to go ahead and do that. If not, a roof mounted array would have to be removed and the roof fixed and the panels reinstalled.

What if I want to do other forms of generation, such as hydro?

Check into local, state, and federal guidelines before your project begins. NGEMC and/or TVA would need proof of your clearance to install the generation on your property before design plans and agreements are signed. If you are planning to go through the TVA DPP program, notify them ahead of time about your plans.

TVA Dispersed Power Production Program:
  • The Dispersed Power Production Program (external link) allows companies or residential customers to produce renewable energy such as solar, or co-generate green energy such as biomass, and sell all or excess generation back to TVA at TVA’s avoided cost. 
  • Contact NGEMC Energy Services for up-to-date information on other solar power development programs.
Helpful websites:
  • Solar Energy Resource Basics (U.S Department of Energy)
  • PVWatts® Calculator
  • National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s PVWatts® Calculator
  • Database for State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency
  • Solar energy tax credit summaries
  • Solar Energy Industries Association
  • Tennessee Valley Authority

Vegetation Management Program FAQ

Why does NGEMC trim trees?

Trees growing into or near power lines can cause outages and can be dangerous. Trees touching power lines can give electrical current a path to ground, creating a potential hazard to people, animals and crews restoring power. They can also cause power outages by interrupting the flow of electricity or damaging the distribution line.

Which trees will need to be trimmed?

According to Georgia State statute, NGEMC and other electric utilities may maintain right of way easements in order to provide essential service to customers. We maintain a right of way of 20 feet on both sides of the power line. Any vegetation growing into that space or having the potential to encroach that area in the next five years will be trimmed.

How will I know if I have trees that need to be trimmed?

Before we begin routine trimming, we notify you by phone to inform you of crews trimming in your area. If you are not at home, we will leave you a message. We also post current trimming locations on our website. If you have requested a vegetation management representative come look at particular tree, we will leave you a door hanger describing the work and a phone number at which you can reach us.

Who performs the trimming?

NGEMC contracts with experienced companies certified in vegetation management. Contractors use bucket trucks, climbing gear, and sometimes helicopters to trim trees that encroach in NGEMC right of way. Because of the high risks involved in trimming trees near power lines, NGEMC crews are trained to safely trim trees that are growing into the right of way. NGEMC strongly discourages anyone other than trained professionals employed by the utility from trimming vegetation that is near a power line or in the power line right of way. 

Will NGEMC remove trees instead of trimming them?

Our certified arborist will meet with homeowners who wish to have a tree removed to determine whether or not the tree is endangering the power lines.  

Does NGEMC use herbicide?

We do use herbicide along some rights of way. The herbicide is approved by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is applied only by contractors licensed to do that work. When applying herbicide, our contractors stay clear of buffer zones such as water sources, farmland and fence rows. You can request that no herbicide be used on your property by simply calling or e-mailing us with your name and address. 

What trees are best for me to plant near or under the power lines?

Never plant trees near power lines. Always consider the size, growth rate, and species before planting vegetation near the right of way. Vegetation that grows into NGEMC's right of way will be trimmed or cut. Plant vegetation outside of our right of way to eliminate safety risks and the potential for trimming.  

Who is responsible for trimming vegetation that is interfering with the service line between the transformer and a member's home?

Our vegetation management team typically does not remove trees that affect the service line from the transformer to the house. However, when vegetation is making contact with the service line, we will disconnect the service line so the member can remove the vegetation. When the work is complete, we will reconnect the service line. These services are provided at no charge to NGEMC members. To request a service disconnection for tree removal or if you have questions about trees in power lines, please contact NGEMC. 

Mobile/Web App How To and FAQ

  • How-to's
  • FAQ's
View Account Information

Select the Account Info icon to view a list of all of your accounts complete with due dates and balances. Select a specific account from the account list to make a single payment or to sign up for push notifications for that account.

View Your Bill History

Get a concise summary of each of your bills and link to PDFs of your available bills. If the PDF of your bill is not available, you'll see a message letting you know to check back later.

Make a Payment

Once you've logged in and selected an account, select the Payment icon to initiate a payment for a single account or for multiple accounts, if applicable.

View Payment History

The Payment History icon connects you to a list of your past payments by month, including the date and amount of each payment.

Manage Alerts

The Alerts option allows you to manage the Alerts and Reminders you want to receive on your mobile device. Alerts and Reminders can be configured for each individual account and on each individual mobile device.

View and Report Outages

Quickly report an outage directly from your mobile device! When you select this option, if we already know about the outage that affects your account, you'll see the outage report right away. If we don't know about the outage, you'll automatically get the Report Outage form.

Find Our Offices

From the login screen, you have the ability to view our office and payment locations along with phone numbers, addresses, and hours of operation.

Follow Us on Facebook or Twitter

Also from the login screen, without logging in, you can connect directly to our Facebook or Twitter page for up-to-date information.

General Information

Without logging in you can get one-touch access to general information.

What is the difference between the My NGEMC Account App and the mobile website?

Our My NGEMC Account mobile apps are native apps that can be downloaded and installed on your compatible mobile device, while the mobile website is a web portal that runs directly in the mobile browser on your smart phone or other mobile device. Both the native apps and the website give you secure access to maintain your account information, to view your bills and your payment history, to manage your alerts and reminders, and to make payments on one or more accounts directly from your mobile device.

The native apps also allow you to register your accounts to receive push notifications for account milestones, such as an approaching or a missed due date. Push notifications are not available through the mobile website.

Is my phone supported?

Our Mobile Apps are supported on the following platforms:

  • iOS 7.0 and above (Apple Products)
  • Android 2.3.3 and above
Is the Mobile App secure?

Yes! All critical information is encrypted in every transaction run through the Apps and the Mobile Web App, and no personal information is stored on your mobile device. However, mobile devices do offer you the ability to store your login information for apps installed on the device. If you choose to store your login information, any person who has access to your mobile device can access your account.

What features does the Mobile App have?

Both the Mobile Apps and the Mobile Web App give you the ability to view your accounts, view your bills, make secure payments directly from your mobile device, view your payment history, modify or maintain your subscriptions for alerts and reminders, and contact us via email or phone. Once you've installed a Mobile App on your phone, you'll also have the ability to receive push notifications and view a map of our offices and payment locations.

How do I get the Mobile App for my phone?

Simply look for our name in the App Store or in the Android Market. In the Android Market, if you can't find our App, that likely means your phone is not supported - see the list of supported operating systems.Search: My NGEMC Account (North Georgia EMC)

Does it cost anything to use the Mobile App?

No. Our Mobile App is completely free to download and install.

I have five accounts. Can I see them all in the Mobile App and the Mobile Web App?

Yes. Once you've logged in, you'll be directed to a list of all of your accounts. To see the details for a specific account, simply select that account and the details will display above the list of accounts. If you only have one account, the details for that account will show up as soon as you log in.

Can I make a payment on multiple accounts?

Yes. From the list of accounts, either select the option to pay all accounts, or select specific accounts for your payment. You can also make a payment to a single account by selecting the payment option when that specific account's details are displayed.

How current is the account information I see in the Mobile App?

The information you see in the Mobile App and in the Mobile Web App is shown in real-time, so it's always accurate. However, if you keep your Mobile App or Mobile Web App open for an extended period of time, you should refresh the page by selecting a new option in order to ensure the information is still current.

How do I view my bill through the Mobile App?

Our App will display PDF versions of your available bills using the PDF reader you have on your smart device. We support and recommend the Adobe PDF reader for the best results on Android devices. On Android devices, if you do not have the Adobe PDF reader already installed, our App will prompt you to install it from the Android Market to ensure you are able to display and view your PDF bills correctly.

How do I sign up for push notifications? What if I want to receive push notifications for multiple accounts?

The first time you launch the App after installing it on your mobile device, you'll be asked whether or not you want to enable push notifications for our App on your device. Select OK to enable push notifications. Next, be sure to select each individual account and enable the "Notify" option for every account you want to receive push notifications on this specific device. If you have our App installed on multiple devices, don't forget to enable push notifications for your accounts on each device, as the push notification settings for each account are device-specific.

How do I find your offices and payment locations? Do I have to log in first?

You do not have to log in to view addresses or maps to our office locations or even to get our contact information. Simply open the App and use the "Locations" link at the bottom of the login screen.

Are Electric Vehicles for You?

Power the open road. Find EV chargers, compare models, learn about tax credits and more on TVA's Electric Vehicle information page. 

Visit site.

Surge Protector FAQ

  • Residential Surge Protection
  • Commercial Surge Protection

Today more than ever, your world depends on electronics. Whether you are using a computer, watching TV, or charging a smart phone, the quality of your power is critical.

What is a surge?

A surge is a sudden, quick increase in voltage. Though usually small and unnoticed by you, over time these surges can damage sensitive electronic equipment. In an average home, these small surges can occur many times a day.

Can voltage surges be created by equipment in my home or business?

Yes, refrigerators, freezers, furnaces, copier machines, laser printers, hair dryers, dishwashers, vacuum cleaners, and power tools—just to name a few—are responsible for creating surges.

What other situations can cause voltage surges?

Surges created by a storm or single lightning strike near your home can seriously damage electronics. Power lines and utility poles that are damaged by animals, fallen tree limbs, and car accidents can also cause surges. Surges can enter your home through telephone, CATV, or power lines.

What can I do to protect my equipment from voltage surge damage?

You can start with installing a “circuit panel” or “service entrance” style surge protector (also referred to as a surge suppression device) in your home. This device either reduces electricity spikes, or stops them from entering the house all together. This will protect your larger appliances, such as ranges, water heaters, washers, dryers, dishwashers and motors. A qualified electrician or your local utility can ensure proper installation. Proper installation is key because even the best surge protector in the world is useless unless it is correctly installed.

But don’t stop here! To further protect your electronic equipment against surge damage, you need to install a surge protection device within fifteen feet of that equipment. This can be done with a simple plug-in unit or one that wires directly to your equipment.

The best way to protect yourself form surges is through the combination of service entrance surge protectors, and additional protection 15 feet from electronics.

Once I’ve protected my electrical circuits, I’m protected—right?

Not necessarily. Damaging surges can enter your home through phone and cable circuits just as easily as power lines. The same rule applies as before: protect your phone and cable cords within fifteen feet of your equipment. At locations that combine electric power with either cable television or telephone, make sure that the surge protector protects everything.

Should I be concerned about the quality of my electrical grounding?

Yes. A surge protection device is only as effective as the electrical grounding circuit that is made available to it. Surge protection devices divert surge current to grounding wires in your home and then ultimately to earth where they are safely diverted away from your equipment.

Since my grounding is so important, how do I know if it is adequate?

A qualified electrician or your local utility can make that determination for you. Since most permanently wired surge protectors will require an electrician for installation, this may be a good time to have your grounding examined. Additionally, surge protection strips are only effective if used on three-prong (grounded) outlets.

Are all surge protectors the same?

No. Like most products, surge protectors vary in quality. Careful attention must be paid to how a surge protector meets your requirements. Read the information on the box carefully and consult the information under the "Surge protector checklist" heading. 

What should I look for when purchasing surge protection products?

Look for surge protection devices that carry a “UL 1449” label. Surge protectors also carry a “joule” and/or “surge-current” rating. The higher the rating of these two categories, the better is the quality of the internal surge-stopping components. Another important performance characteristic is the “clamping voltage.” This is the voltage that the surge protector will let through to your equipment before it diverts it to ground. A quality device will have status lights that will display correct input wiring configuration and failure indicator lights or buzzers to signify whether the device is working properly. See the "Surge Protector Checklist" tab for more information. 

How much should I pay for a surge protection device?

Expect to pay about $45–$100 for a higher quality eight-outlet plug strip with an internal phone protector. Stay away from those $8 specials. A residential circuit panel-mounted surge protector of higher quality will cost in excess of $100.

Do surge protectors last forever?

No. A variety of conditions can indicate that it is time to replace surge protectors. Two of the most prevalent signals are a failure indicator light going off and/or a buzzer sounding. Some surge protection strips are also designed to permanently turn off upon failure.

Where can I get more assistance in purchasing surge protection?

Contact NGEMC's Energy Services team who can provide information about proper selection, installation and use. 

Surge protector checklist
  • UL Listing (“UL 1449 Listed” is good. “UL 1449 Revision 2” is better).The following terms do not indicate adequate surge protection: “UL tested,” “meets UL,” and “UL.” The surge protector should indicate that it is “UL listed.”
  • For a plug strip, the clamping voltage should be UL 330 volts, the surge-current rating should be at least 36,000 amps, and the joule rating should be at least 360 joules.
  • For permanently installed surge protection, the clamping voltage should be no more than UL 400 volts, the surge-current rating should be at least 36,000 amps, and the joule rating should be at least 360 joules.
  • Failure indicator light or buzzer
  • Status light (for indicating proper wiring and grounding)
  • Recessed on/off switch on strip surge protectors
  • Multi-mode protection (line to neutral, line to ground, neutral to ground)
  • Adequate plug spacing (wide enough to plug in power supplies if needed)

It is highly recommended that a surge protection device incorporates phone/modem and/or coax protection to cover all plug-in connections and any given piece of electronic equipment.

Surge Protector for TVs and VCRs should also include:

  • Coax plugs

Surge Protectors for Computers, Telephones, and Telephone Answering Machines should also include:

  • Telephone line plugs

We rely on electricity for almost everything. Being without it, even for a little while, is inconvenient and disruptive. North  Georgia EMC works hard to keep power outages from happening, but it’s impossible to fully prevent them. As consumers and business owners, we can take precautions to protect equipment from damage caused by inevitable disturbances in the power system.

Why is it important to have surge protection?

Most surges are caused by operational or electrical problems with equipment like compressors, motors, elevators, air conditioners, pumps, etc. Faulty wiring can also cause surges or load imbalances that damage equipment and electronics.

Surges caused by voltage disturbances outside the building can reach equipment through  telephone, cable television or power lines. External causes of surges include storms, lightning, wind, accidents, equipment damage or failure, wildlife and vegetation.

How can surge protection save money and time?

Surge protection installed at the service entrance, distribution panels and points-of-use may  reduce business downtime and help prevent damage to costly equipment:

  • High-powered machines such as motors, compressors, HVAC;
  • Computers, printers, fax machines and photo copiers;
  • Sensitive electronics like security alarm systems, telemetry or monitoring networks, barcode scanners, and thermostats;
  • Critical healthcare monitoring and life support systems;
  • Telecommunications and data processing systems.
How do surge protection devices work?

Power or voltage surges are brief bursts of energy caused by a sudden change in the electrical conditions of a circuit. Surge suppression devices regulate the voltage supplied to an electric device either by blocking excess voltage or diverting it to ground.

Do surge protection devices provide back-up-power?

Surge suppression devices do not provide back-up power. An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a device that provides almost instantaneous temporary power when a permanent
power source fails.

  • A UPS does not function as a standby generator or emergency power system, but works long enough to properly shut down protected equipment or to bring an auxiliary power source on line.
  • A UPS is used to protect computers, data centers, telecommunications equipment or other electrical equipment where an unexpected power disruption could cause  injuries, data loss or disrupt business processes.
What should I consider when installing surge protection?

Make sure that all systems have a common ground and enter the building within a few feet of each other. A qualified electrician and NGEMC can help determine if you have adequate grounding at your facility. Install surge protection in layers at different points in the electrical system:

  •  At the point of entry to protect against external disturbances.
  • At distribution panels within the facility, especially if it includes large motors, welders, etc.
  • At individual pieces of sensitive equipment and communication lines (phone cords, internet  cables or coaxial cables – cable television or cable internet type connections).
What should I look for in a surge protection device?

Choose a product with the following features and information on the product packaging:

  • Labeled as UL 1449 Listed or UL 1449 Revision 2 Listed; the following terms do not indicate adequate surge protection: “UL tested,” “meets UL,” and “UL.” The surge protector should  indicate that it is “UL listed;”
  • Joules (the amount of energy the suppressor can dissipate), ranges from 200 to several  thousand, but the higher the number the better;
  • Clamping voltage (the voltage at which the surge suppressor will divert the surge to ground) -- the lower the number the better -- typically 330 volts. Do not get a surge suppressor with a clamping voltage higher than 400 volts;
  • A response time of less than one nanosecond;
  • Failure indicator light or buzzer.
  • Status light to indicate proper wiring or grounding.
  • Recessed on/off switch on strip surge protectors.
  • Multi-mode protection (line to neutral, line to ground, neutralto ground).
  • Adequate plug spacing (wide enough to plug in power supplies if needed).
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