Surge Protection for Winnipeg Homes: What Manitoba Hydro Wants You to Know

In Winnipeg and the Greater Winnipeg Region, it doesn’t take a major storm for a power surge to happen. A quick dimming of the lights, a rebooting computer or a suddenly blinking microwave clock all hint at extra voltage moving through the wiring. Surges are often brief, but over time they can add stress to furnaces, appliances and sensitive electronics.

For homeowners across Birds Hill, Charleswood, East Kildonan, St. Boniface, Transcona, River Heights, Tuxedo, St. Andrews, Steinbach, La Salle, Headingley, Westwood, North Kildonan, The Maples and surrounding communities, surge protection is an effective way to help keep your home systems running smoothly.

Why Surges Matter in Manitoba Homes

Manitoba Hydro explains that power surges occur when the voltage in your home’s electrical system jumps above normal levels. This can happen during lightning activity, after an outage when power is restored, or when the grid experiences a sudden change in demand.

According to Manitoba Hydro, a surge suppressor’s job is to limit the amount of excess electricity that reaches your equipment, reducing the risk of damage to electronics and appliances. This includes the modern furnace, which depends on control boards, sensors and communication between your thermostat and heating system. Those components can be sensitive to rapid changes in voltage. Even if a surge does not cause an immediate failure, repeated fluctuations can cause nuisance error codes, interfere with thermostat communication, or shorten the lifespan of electrical components.

Because Winnipeg winters rely heavily on consistent heating, taking steps to reduce stress on the furnace’s electronics can help prevent mid-season surprises.

What Surge Protection Can, and Cannot Do

One of Manitoba Hydro’s most essential reminders is that surge suppressors are not lightning-proof. A direct lightning strike carries far more energy than any device can handle, which is why unplugging electronics during major lightning events is still the safest approach.

However, for the everyday surges caused by grid activity, power restoration and lightning near the home, surge protection can help reduce wear and tear. Manitoba Hydro recommends a two-layer defence:

1. Whole-home surge suppression

Installed at or near the electrical panel by a licensed electrician, this device helps reduce the impact of large surges entering from outside. It covers hard-wired systems such as:

• Furnaces
• Central air conditioners
• Major appliances
• Home office equipment on dedicated circuits

2. Point-of-use protection

Plug-in surge bars or power strips add a second line of defence. They are ideal for:

• Computers and monitors
• Modems and routers
• TVs and entertainment systems
• Chargers, gaming consoles and smart speakers

Used together, whole-home and plug-in protection make up the layered approach Manitoba Hydro encourages.

GFCIs and Surges: What Winnipeg Homeowners Should Know

Manitoba Hydro also highlights an often-overlooked detail: power surges can damage the internal circuitry of GFCIs (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters).

GFCIs help protect people from electrical shock by cutting off power if they sense a sudden loss of current. They are required by code in newer homes and can be added to older ones. Hydro recommends:

• Testing GFCI outlets monthly using the built-in “Test/Reset” buttons
• Replacing any GFCI that no longer resets properly
• Following the manufacturer’s instructions after a surge event

Since surges can impact the very devices meant to protect you, it’s helpful to test GFCIs after storms or outages, especially in areas like kitchens, bathrooms, garages and outdoor outlets.

What To Do During an Outage

Surge protection also depends on the homeowner’s habits. Manitoba Hydro’s emergency preparedness guidance includes simple steps that help protect devices during outages and restorations.

During the outage

• Unplug computers, TVs and home office equipment
• Turn off non-essential appliances
• Keep refrigerators and freezers closed

When power returns

• Wait a moment for the voltage to stabilize
• Plug in fridges and furnaces first.
• Reconnect electronics last
• Check GFCIs to ensure they still reset properly.

These small habits can reduce the strain on both electronics and the furnace’s control system.

What Homeowners Can Safely Do, and What Needs a Pro

Many aspects of surge protection fall within a homeowner’s regular responsibilities. You can:

• Replace worn or low-quality power strips with certified surge-protected models
• Unplug electronics during major lightning events
• Test GFCI outlets monthly
• Keep the area around the electrical panel clear

However, anything involving the electrical panel, a whole-home surge suppressor, wiring or connections to furnaces or generators must be handled by a licensed electrician. If you notice repeated breaker trips, scorched outlets or burning smells, stop troubleshooting and contact a professional.

For homes with gas appliances, it remains essential to regularly test carbon monoxide alarms and follow manufacturer guidance.

When To Reach Out to Furnasman

It may be time to discuss surge protection during a repair or seasonal maintenance visit if:

• You’ve experienced frequent outages or flickering lights
• Your furnace has had repeated electronic repairs
• You rely on multiple smart devices and home office equipment
• Your electrical panel is older or near capacity.

Homes throughout Charleswood, St. Vital, East Kildonan, West St. Paul, River Heights, Transcona, Tuxedo, Oak Bluff, The Maples and the broader Winnipeg region often benefit from reviewing existing protection and planning next steps. Whether that means upgrading power strips or considering a whole-home surge solution, the team at Furnasman can walk through the options during your next visit.

If you’re curious about what surge protection could look like in your home, your next appointment with Furnasman is a good time to ask.