Whole-Building Surge Protection in West Hollywood

Call (323) 642-8509 Get Free Quote

From the Sunset Strip to the Design District, West Hollywood homes are packed with premium electronics, smart automation, and EV charging that deserve serious protection. Our residential Whole-Building Surge Protection service is designed for upscale condos, modern townhomes, and classic Spanish revival residences alike, reducing risk from utility switching surges, elevator motors, HVAC startups, and solar/EV equipment transients. Whether you're right off Santa Monica Boulevard near City Hall or tucked into the Norma Triangle, Shaffer Construction, Inc. safeguards sensitive systems with properly sized, code-compliant surge protective devices and upgraded grounding. We deliver clean power, fewer nuisance failures, and peace of mind—for a fraction of the cost of replacing high-end gear.

Licensed & Insured

A, B & C10 Contractor

25+ Years

Experience in LA

1000+ Projects

Successfully Completed

Our Work

Tesla Supercharger station with solar canopy installation by Shaffer Construction electrical contractors

Commercial EV charging infrastructure with electrical panels and utility meters installed by licensed electricians

Benefits

Future-Proof Home Protection

We deploy UL 1449 4th Edition Type 1 and Type 2 surge protective devices sized to the building’s service and short-circuit current. For modern homes, we can integrate SPDs with smart panels and energy monitoring (e.g., Schneider Wiser Energy, Leviton Smart Load Center, Eaton). Dry-contact options enable remote alerts through your home automation hub. Our layered approach—service entrance protection plus sensitive subpanel protection—accommodates future upgrades like more EV chargers, solar + battery storage, or an expanded A/V rack without redesigning your electrical backbone.

Local Compliance and Safety

Shaffer Construction manages all permitting with the City of West Hollywood Building and Safety Division and installs to the 2022 California Electrical Code (CEC), which is based on the 2020 NEC. We follow Article 285 for Surge Protective Devices and Article 250 for grounding and bonding. All SPDs are UL 1449 listed with appropriate SCCR ratings. We provide as-built labeling, panel schedules, and inspection support, ensuring your system passes the first time and stays compliant with local amendments and HOA requirements.

Expert Installation and Reliability

We select SPDs with per-mode surge current ratings in the 50kA–120kA range (or greater as needed), matched to your service size (200A/400A and beyond). We use copper conductors with the shortest possible lead lengths and proper conductor bends to minimize impedance. Grounding enhancements include listed rods, acorn clamps, water/gas bonding jumpers, and irreversible compression connectors where appropriate. Every termination is torqued to manufacturer specs with calibrated tools. The result is reliable, low-impedance surge paths and long-term durability.

Custom Solutions for Every Home

Our design process starts with a site assessment: service type (overhead/underground), fault current, panel brand/space, and special loads (elevators, EVSE, PV/ESS, A/V). For multifamily condos, we evaluate meter banks and main service sections to determine optimal Type 1 placement, then add Type 2 units on sensitive subpanels. We model grounding electrode continuity and resistance, then specify upgrades to meet CEC Article 250. The deliverable is a concise, customized plan with part numbers, wiring methods, and a staging schedule that minimizes homeowner disruption.

What We Offer

Type 1 SPD installation at service disconnect/main switchboard for whole-building protection

Type 2 SPD installation at sensitive subpanels feeding A/V racks, offices, or bedroom circuits

Coordination with HOA/property management for main equipment room access and outage scheduling

Grounding electrode upgrades: additional rods, acorn clamps, and #4/#6 copper bonding conductors

Bonding of metal water/gas piping per CEC 250.104 to reduce potential differences

Lead length optimization and conductor routing to minimize surge let-through

Integration with smart panels/energy monitors for SPD status and notifications

Surge protection for EV chargers and garage distribution equipment

PV/ESS surge coordination at inverter/combiner locations (where applicable)

Dedicated protection for elevator or large motor loads in multifamily buildings

Replacement of obsolete main breaker panels to meet SCCR and space requirements

Labeling, documentation, and panel schedule updates for inspection and maintenance

Ground resistance testing and corrective measures where high resistance is detected

Coax/Ethernet surge modules for vulnerable low-voltage runs feeding media rooms

Post-install verification, torque checks, and homeowner handoff with maintenance tips

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit in West Hollywood for a whole-house surge protector?+

Yes. The City of West Hollywood Building and Safety Division typically requires an electrical permit for surge protective devices at the main service equipment. We file and manage the permit, coordinate inspection, and provide the documentation inspectors expect, keeping the process simple for homeowners and HOAs.

Will installation cut power to my condo or townhome for long?+

Expect a brief outage—often 30–90 minutes—during the half-day installation. In multifamily buildings, we coordinate with the HOA or property manager to schedule the shutdown window and post notices so residents are informed ahead of time.

Is surge protection still useful in West Hollywood where lightning is rare?+

Absolutely. Most damaging surges here come from utility switching, recloser operations after outages, and on-site equipment like elevator motors, HVAC, EV chargers, and PV/ESS inverters. A properly sized SPD and robust grounding reduce let-through voltage and protect sensitive electronics from these everyday transients.

Can you integrate surge protection with smart panels or monitors I already have?+

Yes. We often pair SPDs with smart panels or energy monitors to provide status alerts and historical data. Many devices offer dry contacts or networked options that integrate with home automation hubs, so you can track power quality and be notified if an SPD indicates service is needed.

What if my older Spanish revival home has limited grounding or older wiring?+

We assess your grounding electrode system and bonding and can add ground rods, upgrade clamps and conductors, and bond water/gas piping per CEC Article 250. Even with older wiring, a low-impedance grounding path and service-side surge protection significantly improve resilience and device longevity.

Whole-Building Surge Protection is one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make in a West Hollywood home or condo. We evaluate your panel, coordinate with the HOA if needed, install a properly rated Type 1 device at the service, add subpanel protection where it counts, and strengthen the grounding network so surges divert safely away from your electronics. The result is cleaner, more reliable power for smart lighting, networking, home theaters, and EV charging. From design through inspection, Shaffer Construction, Inc. manages every step. You’ll receive clear timelines, proactive updates, and a tidy installation that passes inspection and just works. Ready to protect your home’s technology and comfort? Call or text (323) 642-8509 or email hello@shaffercon.com to schedule your assessment. We’re local, responsive, and committed to keeping West Hollywood powered—beautifully and safely.