Our lives revolve around the use of appliances, computers, and other electrical power gadgets, so whenever a power surge happens, protecting these devices is always a priority.
Surge protection is a great investment in your appliances and electronics as well as for your safety. It protects your expensive equipment whenever a power surge strikes that can cause the loss of data in your laptops and computers, and can permanently damage or disable appliances and electronics.
Many households go through power surges at some point in their life. It’s best if you take the precaution rather than waiting for something bad to happen, so you can opt for protection.
So, here’s what you can do to recognize the harm and protect your home from electrical damage.
What Is A Power Surge?
A power surge is an unusually high voltage that lasts for a short period. They can trigger a circuit breaker and turn off electrical devices suddenly.
When the power surge occurs, the voltage exceeds 169 volts. Power surges are basically related to the flow of electricity into your house. The electricity flowing into your outlets is around 120 volts, it can also rise and fall between 0 and 169 volts.
You need to know when a power surge occurs and how it can damage your appliances. Surge protection is not only for your house appliances, but it’s for your life as well.
What Causes Power Surges?
Power surges occur when there is a huge spike in your electrical current system, which can give lifelong damages to any outlets or plug-in electronics and appliances.
This happens due to the power surge that is overloading the circuits connected to your electrical system. If the appliance cannot handle the overload, it can be completely ruined or damaged.
Internal power surges can also happen within a home, and they are actually more common than the outside forces, which are called external power surges.
Expert electricians always suggest turning off all the electronics and appliances when the power goes out. It’s the best way to keep yourself and your house from the damage!
Top 3 Causes of Power Surges
Knowing the main causes of power surges can help you take the right steps to minimize the chances of them occurring. Here are the leading causes of power surges.
1. Faulty Wiring
Wiring is the main cause for disturbing electricity, and if the case of the wiring is exposed, a power surge is more likely to occur. Wiring that is exposed or damaged offers very little electrical resistance.
It can be hard to tell about your wiring condition, so there are a few signs that can indicate you about your wiring conditions:
- Vibration sound coming from outlets
- Burning smell
- Visible burn
- Circuit breakers tripping repeatedly
2. Overload
Electrical overload is when you are using too much power from a single circuit. This can occur when you plug in too many appliances, overuse extension cords, or use an appliance beyond the circuit’s amperage levels.
3. Lightning
It is the most damaging kind of power surge. When lightning occurs near a power line, even if it’s underground, running along poles, or in a building, its energy can increase electrical pressure by millions of volts.
How to Protect Your Electronics & Appliances from Power Surge
Use these helpful tips to keep your appliances and electronics safe from power surges:
- Focus on what’s going on inside your home. You can’t control the power outside of it.
- Always use high-quality equipment to protect your appliances.
- Avoid using unreliable, cheap appliances and electronics that can damage other appliances.
- Purchase a quality surge protector to protect your appliances, electronics, and house from power surges.
- Remember, surge protectors don’t arrest or suppress a surge. They divert the surge safely to the ground.
There are a few options that can prevent power surge harm.
Power Strips with Surge Protection
It is one of the most affordable surge protectors available for you. The power strips are rated in joules, so it’s essential to choose a model for the appliances and electronics you are protecting. You just have to shop carefully because not every surge protector has all the abilities.
Whole-House Surge Protectors
These surge protectors connect directly into your home’s fuse box and protect your home from entering the power surges.
Power Surges: The Bottom Line
Do not wait for lightning to strike. Just purchase or install a power surge protector today!
Everybody should know this knowledge to protect their house from power surges. Talk to an expert for the best protection against power surges in the house.
A professional electrician can explain how to protect your equipment or appliances caused from power surges. Once you do that, it’s also a good idea to take a look at your electricity contract and energy plan to make sure you’re getting the best deal from the “energy companies near me” in your area.
Want to Save Money? Discover the Cheapest Electricity Plans Available in Your Area HERE
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