Do SPDs Protect Fort Myers Homes from Brownouts? | CoHarbor Electric

Do SPDs Protect Fort Myers Homes from Brownouts?

If you’ve lived in Fort Myers for any amount of time, you’ve probably seen your lights dim for a few seconds during a summer storm—or maybe your A/C groaned to a stop before kicking back on. That’s what we call a brownout. It’s not a full power outage, but it’s enough of a voltage drop to make your home’s electrical system do some weird things.

Now, when we talk about surge protection devices (SPDs), most people think they only handle surges—those quick spikes in voltage from lightning or utility switching. And while that’s true, it’s not the whole story. The question we get a lot here at Coharbor Electric is: “Can SPDs help protect my home from brownouts too?”

The short answer: not directly, but they’re part of the solution.
Let’s unpack that a bit, because this is one of those electrical topics that gets misunderstood all the time.

What’s a Brownout, Really?

A brownout happens when the voltage coming into your home drops below normal for a short period of time. It’s like your house is running on half pressure. You’ll notice the lights dim, your ceiling fans slow down, and certain appliances—especially compressors like fridges and A/C units—start to struggle or make odd noises.

Brownouts are common around Fort Myers for a few reasons:

• Utility load changes: When everyone’s A/C kicks on at the same time during a heatwave, the demand can cause temporary voltage drops.

• Grid issues or switching: The utility might reroute power after a storm, leading to brief dips.

• Nearby faults: A downed line or transformer problem down the street can cause short brownouts before breakers trip.

Unlike a blackout, power doesn’t completely cut off. It just sags. And that sag can be hard on your equipment—especially motors and electronics that expect steady voltage.

What SPDs Actually Do

SPDs—or surge protection devices—are designed to handle the opposite problem: sudden spikes in voltage. When a surge hits, whether it’s from lightning, power grid switching, or even something inside your home (like your A/C kicking on), the SPD redirects that extra energy safely into the ground instead of letting it fry your wiring or electronics.

So when people ask if SPDs “protect” against brownouts, the answer is: they don’t correct low voltage, but they doprotect your home from what usually follows a brownout—a surge.

Here’s why that’s important:

When the power dips, everything slows down. But when the utility restores voltage, there’s often a quick spike as the system stabilizes. That surge can hit hard—sometimes harder than the original drop. That’s where your SPD steps in.

So while an SPD won’t fix a brownout itself, it will save you from the surge that comes right after.

What Brownouts Can Do to Your Home

Brownouts can quietly damage your equipment without you realizing it. We’ve seen it happen time and again around Fort Myers, especially during peak summer months.

Here’s what we see most often:

• A/C compressors locking up because of low voltage startup strain.

• Refrigerators losing cooling power, then failing days later.

• Electronics and routers rebooting over and over, which shortens their lifespan.

• LED lights flickering or burning out early.

• Smart home devices glitching, resetting, or losing data.

The biggest danger isn’t the brownout itself—it’s that when full power rushes back in, it sends a jolt through the entire house. Without an SPD in place, that jolt can cause long-term wear or immediate damage.

What Can Actually Help During a Brownout

SPDs are essential for protecting your home from surges, but when it comes to voltage dips (brownouts), you’ll want to consider additional safeguards.

Here’s what we usually recommend:

1. Whole-home surge protection:
   This is your first line of defense for all power quality issues. It stops major surges at the panel and keeps smaller spikes from reaching your electronics.

2. Proper grounding and bonding:
   Your grounding system needs to be in good shape for any protection device to work properly. A loose or corroded clamp can ruin the effectiveness of an SPD.

3. Voltage monitoring or UPS systems:
   For sensitive electronics like computers, TVs, and home offices, we suggest a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) with built-in voltage regulation. These can actually stabilize minor brownouts.

4. Regular inspections:
   If your home is more than 10 years old—or if you’ve noticed lights dimming frequently—it’s worth having your panel checked. Florida’s humidity and storms can take a toll on wiring and connections over time.

5. Dedicated circuits for large loads:
   Appliances like pool pumps and HVAC systems should be on dedicated lines to avoid internal surges when voltage fluctuates.

A Real Example from the Field

A few months back, we got a call from a homeowner in south Fort Myers who noticed their lights flickering every evening around dinner time. Their A/C would strain, and a few nights later, their smart thermostat went blank.

When we inspected, we found the home had no surge protection, and the main neutral lug in the panel was slightly loose—causing voltage imbalance during brownouts. The fluctuations had slowly worn down some of their electronics.

We tightened the connections, replaced the damaged breakers, and installed a whole-home SPD rated for Florida’s lightning activity. A week later, the homeowner called back after another brownout and said, “The lights dimmed again, but nothing else happened this time.” That’s exactly how it should work.

Why Fort Myers Homes Need SPDs—Even for Brownouts

Even though SPDs don’t regulate voltage during a brownout, they’re still a must-have in Fort Myers. Between lightning, grid switching, and heat-related load changes, our electrical systems take more punishment than most parts of the country.

Without an SPD, every flicker, surge, or power return event slowly chips away at your electronics and appliances. With one, you’ve got a buffer that keeps those spikes from doing damage.

Think of it like wearing a seatbelt—it doesn’t stop the storm, but it keeps you safe when the ride gets rough.

What We Recommend

If you live in or around Fort Myers and experience regular flickering lights or short dips in power, here’s what we suggest:

• Get your main electrical panel inspected to make sure it’s grounded properly and all terminations are tight.

• Install a whole-home SPD rated for utility and lightning protection.

• Use voltage regulators or UPS systems for computers, TVs, and office equipment.

• Schedule routine maintenance before storm season hits.

These small steps protect your home and prevent the bigger issues that come with Florida’s unpredictable power grid.

Final Thoughts

Brownouts are a part of life here in Fort Myers, especially during storm season or when the grid’s under heavy demand. While SPDs won’t stop the lights from dimming, they’re a crucial piece of the puzzle—keeping your home safe when power dips and surges back.

At Coharbor Electric, we’ve seen the full range of storm-related electrical issues, from brownouts to lightning strikes. We know how to protect your home’s wiring, appliances, and electronics from the effects of unstable voltage.

⚡ Call Coharbor Electric today to schedule a surge protection and electrical safety inspection. We’re your trusted Fort Myers electricians—local, licensed, and dedicated to keeping your home safe and powered year-round.