At first blush, power surges might sound like a minor electrical hiccup. There's more to worry about in the aftermath of a power surge than resetting clocks and restarting devices, though. They can have significant implications for your home's safety and the longevity of your appliances. Understanding what causes power surges, how they can affect your home, and how to protect against them is crucial knowledge for every homeowner.
What is a Power Surge?
First things first: a power surge, also known as transient voltage, happens when there's a sudden spike in electrical current. This spike can increase the voltage flowing through your home's electrical system far beyond the normal level, potentially leaving damage in its wake.
Why Worry About Power Surges?
There are a few primary risks posed by power surges:
- Lightning Strikes: Bad weather is never fun, but it's particularly troublesome when lightning strikes near power lines and causes big voltage spikes.
- Power Outages: Service outages are frustrating, full stop. When your power is restored after any kind of outage, the sudden influx of electricity can result in a surge, adding to your list of worries.
- High-Power Electrical Devices: Appliances that cycle on and off, like refrigerators and air conditioners, can cause minor surges during these phases of operation.
- Faulty Wiring: Living in an older house provides aesthetic charm, but original wiring isn't a treasure like hidden hardwood floors or period architectural quirks. Aging or damaged electrical wiring can be a major cause of inconsistent power flow and surges.
Protecting Your Home from Power Surges
Now that you know what causes power surges and the risk they pose to just about anything connected to your home electrical system, it's time for practical steps to safeguard your property:
- Use Surge Protector Power Strips: Invest in surge protector power strips to defend individual electronics and appliances.
- Install Whole-House Surge Protectors: These devices provide comprehensive protection against large surges by being installed at your electrical panel.
- Unplug Devices During Storms: It's not always possible to get ahead of bad weather, but if you have sufficient advance warning, it's a good idea to unplug sensitive electronics as a protective measure. Disconnected electronic devices can't be damaged by power surges related to lightning strikes or service restoration.
- Regular Electrical Inspections: Just like you invest in your physical health with wellness checkups, your home needs routine attention to make sure the wiring and electrical system are up-to-date and in good condition.
Preventing Trouble Before it Starts: How Wilcox Electric Can Help
Making sure your home is protected against power surges is vital for the safety of your property and your peace of mind. We offer professional installation of whole-home surge protectors and comprehensive electrical inspections to identify and mitigate potential risks before they have a chance to wreak havoc.
Contact Wilcox Electric to learn more about how we can help you safeguard your home against power surges and ensure your electrical system is in peak condition through every season.