What Is an Electric Power Surge?
An electric power surge is a sudden and temporary increase in the electrical voltage or current that flows through the wiring in your home or office. These surges can occur for various reasons, including lightning strikes, power outages, and issues with your electrical system. While they may seem like a minor inconvenience, sudden power surges can cause damage to your electronics and appliances if not properly managed.
When a power surge occurs, the excess electrical energy can overload and damage any electronic devices that are connected to the affected circuit. This can include anything from your computer and television to your refrigerator and washing machine. While some appliances may be able to withstand the extra energy, others may experience damage to their circuits, leading to costly repairs or even the need for replacement.
Fret not, as we are here to help. At Petrelli Electrical Services, we are available all around the clock to help with all your electrical issues. Our skilled electricians make every effort to rapidly return you to your busy life. Whether you want our service in your area of residence or your area of work/business, we will be there!
What to Do During an Electric Power Surge?
An electric power surge can occur when there is an increase in the electrical current that is flowing through your home's electrical system. While some surges are harmless, others can cause significant damage to your home's electrical system and appliances. Here's what you should do during an electric power surge:
Unplug Sensitive Electronic Devices
Unplugging sensitive electronic devices, such as computers, TVs, and gaming consoles, is the first thing you should do during an electric power surge. These devices are particularly vulnerable to power surges and can be permanently damaged if not properly protected. Even if you have surge protectors, unplugging these devices during a surge is a good idea.
Turn off Appliances
Turning off appliances, such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines, can help prevent damage during an electric power surge. Large appliances that have motors can be particularly vulnerable to surges, which can cause them to break down or malfunction.
Check Your Circuit Breaker
If you experience a power surge, it's a good idea to check your circuit breaker to ensure that it hasn't tripped. A tripped circuit breaker can be an indication of an overloaded electrical circuit, which can be a safety hazard. If you're not sure how to check your circuit breaker, we recommend that you consult a licensed electrical service like Petrelli Electrical Services.
Use Surge Protectors
Surge protectors can help protect your home's electrical system and appliances during a power surge. Surge protectors work by diverting excess electrical current away from your devices and into the ground. It's important to note that surge protectors can only handle a certain amount of current, so choosing one that is appropriate for your needs is important.
Call a Licensed Electrician
If you experience frequent power surges, it may be an indication of a larger electrical problem in your home. In this case, it's important to call a licensed electrician, such as Petrelli Electrical Services, to assess the situation and make any necessary repairs.
Common Causes of Electric Power Surge
Electric power surges can be harmful to electrical equipment and may cause damage to appliances, computers, and other electronic devices. Let us discuss what causes a power surge.
Lightning Strikes
Lightning is a natural phenomenon that can cause power surges in electrical systems. When lightning strikes a power line, it can cause a surge of electrical energy to flow through the wires, which can damage electronic devices connected to the same circuit.
Power Outages
Power outages are another common cause of power surges. When the electricity comes back on after a lengthy power outage, it can cause a surge of electricity to flow through the circuit, which can damage electronic devices. This is because the sudden increase in voltage can overload the circuit and cause damage to the sensitive electronic components.
Faulty Wiring
When the wiring in a building is old or damaged, it can cause fluctuations in the electrical current. Thus, faulty wiring can cause power surges. This is particularly true in older buildings where the electrical wiring has not been updated in many years.
Electrical Appliances
Electrical appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and microwaves can also cause power surges. When these appliances turn on or off, they can cause a surge of electrical energy to flow through the circuit, which can damage other electronic devices connected to the same circuit.
Overloaded Circuits
Overloaded circuits are another common cause of power surges. When too many electrical devices are connected to a single circuit, it can cause the circuit to overload and trip the circuit breaker. When this happens, it can cause a surge of electrical energy to flow through the circuit, which can damage electronic devices.
How to Avoid Electric Power Surge
Electric power surges can cause serious damage to your electronic devices and appliances, such as TVs, computers, and refrigerators. In order to avoid power surges, it's important to take certain precautions.
Use Surge Protectors
One of the easiest ways to protect your electronic devices from power surges is to use surge protectors. These devices are designed to divert excess voltage away from your equipment and into the ground. Make sure that you choose a surge protector that is rated for the devices you want to protect and replace them often.
Unplug Appliances During Storms
Thunderstorms are a common cause of power surges. When lightning strikes a power line, it can cause a surge of electricity to travel through the wires and into your home. To protect your devices during a storm, unplug them from the wall. This includes appliances like TVs, computers, and refrigerators. Even if you have surge protectors, it's still a good idea to unplug your devices during a storm.
Keep Your Wiring Up-to-date
Old or outdated wiring can be a potential hazard when it comes to power surges. If your home's wiring is over a few decades old, having it inspected by a licensed electrician is a good idea. They can determine if your wiring is up-to-date and recommend any necessary upgrades.
Be Mindful of Power-hungry Devices
Certain devices, such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and microwaves, require a lot of power to operate. When these devices turn on, they can cause a momentary surge of electricity. To avoid power surges, try to spread out the use of power-hungry devices throughout the day.
Avoid Overloading Outlets
Plugging too many devices into a single outlet can cause an overload, which can lead to a power surge. To avoid this, make sure to spread out your devices across multiple outlets. If you find that you need more outlets, consider installing additional electrical outlets or using power strips with built-in surge protection. For such instalments, you can get in contact with Petrelli Electrical Services.
Conclusion
Electric power surges can seriously threaten your home's electrical system and appliances. However, with Petrelli Electrical Services, you do not have to worry anymore. Let our team of experts guide you and solve your electrical issues so that you can live peacefully without any worries.