How to Protect Your Home from Electrical Surges?

Last Updated on October 16, 2024 by SampleBoard

Electric power surges are so widespread that they can easily damage your house's appliances and electronic devices.

Learning how to avoid these electric surges is fundamental for every person who owns a home.

This guide will teach you the characteristics of power surges, the extent of damage they may inflict, and the solutions you could adopt to avoid them.

Power Surge

What Is a Power Surge?

A power surge, also known as an electrical surge, is a sudden increase in the voltage of electricity flow that goes over the standard allowed in your home.

This surge can last for just a fraction of a second but can cause significant damage to any electrical device connected to the power source at that time.

To safeguard your home and electronics, you must understand power surges well.

How Do Power Surges Cause Damage?

Power surges can harm in several ways.

This is quite a widespread issue in electronics like computers, TVs, and smart appliances. Due to their complexity, these devices have intricate circuits susceptible to short voltage surges.

When the voltage is increased, it results in overheating in the wiring of electronic devices, which can lead to either the deterioration of components or even the complete failure of devices.

Causes of Power Surges

Power surges can be caused by the following:

Lightning strikes:

Although rare, a lightning strike near a power line can send a surge directly into the system, reaching homes miles away.

Poor wiring:

Poor or outdated wiring causes power fluctuations that ultimately cause surges.

High-wattage appliances:

High-wattage appliances, such as air conditioners and refrigerators, can cause surges when turned on and off.

Utility problems:

Utility problems, such as downed power lines or equipment failures, can cause surges.

Frequency of Power Surges

Power surges have become common, and most homes experience several each year.

Although most surges are minor and undetectable, they can still damage delicate electronics over time.

Warning Signs of an Overloaded Electrical Circuit

Knowing the signs of an overloaded electrical circuit can help prevent more severe surge damage.

Look for the following:

• Flickering or dimming lights

• Frequently tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses

• Humming noises from plugs or switches

• A burning smell coming from receptacles or switches

If you are experiencing any of the above, it is time to call an electrician to inspect your home and make any necessary panel upgrades.

Storm Causing Power Surge

What Should You Do After a Power Surge?

Experiencing a power surge can be alarming, but taking the proper steps afterward can minimize damage and help prevent future incidents.

Responsibility for Power Surge Damage

A dilemma related to power surges can become quite a riddle asking for confirmation.

If the surge was coming from your house, you might have contributed to the immersion, namely, a malfunctioning appliance or the wiring.

Conversely, if the sudden spike was due to reasons beyond your control, such as a utility company, you have a fair chance of demanding compensation.

Does Insurance Cover Power Surges?

Homeowners' insurance is different.

Nevertheless, most customers in this field provide electrical surge protection and its effects.

Verify whether your electrical surge protection coverage is included.

If it is not, you should add a rider to the policy to cover your electronic devices.

Power Surge

How Do You Prevent a Power Surge From Damaging Your Appliances or Electronic Devices?

You might save some electronic appliances from being destroyed in the process.

Here are the things you need to do:

Install surge protectors:

Use them with sensitive electronic equipment.

Nevertheless, these devices will absorb surplus voltage rather than the equipment they protect.

Installing whole-house surge protection:

Safeguard your digital environment by getting an electrician to install a full surge protector for your house.

For example, this type of protection ensures that incoming surges are blocked at the point of entry.

Regular maintenance:

Get a professional electrician to check your electronic installation regularly.

The thing is to discover the problem before it risks the devices.

Upgrade the panel:

If an ancient panel is in your house, upgrading to one that can manage today's power demands can be an option.

The modern panel can also avoid the risk of surges.

Power Surge

Conclusion

Power surges are one of the most typical dangers in every home.

Although their presence can intimidate you, knowing their causes and effects will better prepare you to defend your property.

It will only require preventive measures, such as surge protectors, regular maintenance, and an electrical panel upgrade that may be suitable for your home to protect it from the damaging effects of power surges.

Fuse Service is the company that gives you such advantages through its new electrical solutions and takes your home through all the electricity power surges and other electrical problems.

With some effort, you can stay informed, ensure your home's safety, and prolong the lifespan of your valuable electronics.

magnifiercross