This brief develops a data collection plan to assess loss related to electrical surges in homes, and explores the potential impact devices that prevent these surges could have in mitigating these losses. key topics such as surge sources, surge effects and residential surge protection are clearly defined. recent fire safety codes proposed a requirement that every dwelling unit be fitted with a surge protection device, as every year there is property damage to electrical and electronic equipment resulting from electrical surges. these proposals have not been implemented due to a lack of reliable data, which this brief seeks to change. the authors evaluate surge phenomena and their sources, surge protection methods, surge protection strategies and industry standards in order to present a data plan that can accurately assess loss related to electrical surges in homes.