When you think of a power surge, you probably imagine lightning striking your home, and that’s part of it. However, there are many other factors that can also cause a power surge in your home or office.
When a power surge occurs, the voltage and amperage of the electricity surge beyond normal levels for brief periods of time. These fluctuations can cause serious damage to electronic devices. But what to do if this happens to you?
In this article, we will explain what a power surge is, why they happen, and we’ll give you some tips on what to do if you experience a power surge in your home.
What is a Power Surge
A power surge is a change in the electrical flow into your home that causes the voltage to increase. In most cases, a power surge is caused by the flow of electricity from another power source, like from a nearby transformer or a substation.
Power surges can cause damage or harm to appliances or electronics and can pose a safety risk. They can also cause your lights to flicker and make it difficult for your appliances to function. A power surge can even cause an outage in your home if it’s severe enough.
Causes of Power Surges
There are a few different things that can cause a power surge, including lightning, equipment failure, and utility company maintenance. When lightning strikes near a power grid, it can send a surge of electricity into the grid. This surge can travel to nearby homes through the lines that connect to the grid.
Broken or faulty equipment can also potentially cause a power surge; this includes transformers and substations. While maintenance is typically scheduled, it can sometimes result in a power surge too. Of course, overloaded appliances and tripped circuit breakers can lead to a power surge as well.
Signs of Power Surges
If you’re experiencing a power surge, there are a few signs you can look for. Damaged appliances, lights that flicker, and electronics that stop working are all signs that you may be experiencing a power surge.
If your appliances suddenly become damaged, then you might be dealing with a power surge. Also, if your lights are flickering, that can also be a sign of a power surge. Electrical devices like televisions, stereos, and microwaves might shut off and then turn back on again. If any of these signs are occurring in your home or business, you likely have a power surge on your hands.
Protection and Prevention
The best way to protect yourself from power surges is by installing surge protectors. Surge protectors are devices that are plugged into outlets. They monitor the amount of electricity coming into your house and shut off when there is too much electricity.
Surge protectors are relatively inexpensive and provide the most protection against power surges, so it’s worth installing them in your home. A single power surge could destroy all of your home appliances and electronics, so for the sake of a few dollars, surge protectors are a great investment.
Conclusion
There are many different potential causes of power surges. They can be caused by extreme weather conditions or by mechanical issues like short circuits. Power surges can cause damage to appliances and electronics; they can even start a fire, so they should be addressed as soon as possible. The best way to protect against power surges is to install surge protectors throughout your home.
