Tune In: Protect Your Electronics During a Power Surge
In our hometown of Tampa, Florida, we’re all too familiar with the ground-trembling storms that roll through, particularly in the summer and fall seasons. While we may not be able to control them, we can control our preparation.
Power surges or outages, which are more likely to take place when it’s dark and stormy, can do serious damage to your electrical system. Even small surges can cause minor damage that adds up over time.
Our electrical experts at Axiom Power explain what power surges are and how to prevent damage to your home.
What is a Power Surge?
A power surge is an unexpected, sudden increase in voltage in an electrical circuit.
Normal voltage in most homes is 120 volts, but during a power surge, this dramatically increases.
Even if your appliances are turned off, too much electricity can be pushed through your system. This can damage electrical appliances and other equipment.
What Leads to a Power Surge?
A power surge can be caused by several, including:
Downed power lines
Appliances switching on and off
High power demand
Lightning
This is the rarest cause of power surges, but it often does by far the most damage. Electricity discharged by a nearby bolt of lightning might easily be millions of volts. This may even cause devices to explode, presenting a serious risk to both your home and your health.
In the case of severe weather, that’s one of the reasons why you’re often better off evacuating your home.
Downed Power Lines
We don’t get snow and ice here in Florida, but we certainly get severe weather and hurricanes, as we, unfortunately, witnessed just a few weeks ago. A fallen tree limb can easily take a power line down. This may cause a power outage or a power surge (which often results in an outage).
Faulty Wiring
Damage to your wiring, perhaps from unwanted rodents, poorly installed wiring, or even just wear and tear can lead to a power surge.
If you notice your lights flickering when you run the dishwasher or hear any buzzing in your wiring, you’re running the risk of power surges or possibly even a fire.
Appliances Switching On and Off
When a large appliance kicks into gear, it may stress your electrical system, creating a spark that leads to a power surge. With power wiring, even a small appliance can result in a surge.
High Power Demand
A high electrical demand, perhaps in the middle of summer when we all have our AC units on full blast, can lead to a power surge. Power supplies may have a hard time keeping up with what you’re asking of them, so they’ll lose power followed by an aggressive surge to electronics when the power turns back on.
What Damage Can Be Caused by a Power Surge?
Surges can cause all sorts of problems, from frying your computer to starting a fire. The most common devices damaged by a power surge include:
Computers
Televisions
Refrigerators
Ovens
Dishwashers
Microwaves
Washers/dryers
Security systems
Anything with a microprocessor
Aka... the most expensive things you own. That's why it's important to be aware of the dangers of power surges and take steps to protect your home and belongings.
Ways to Protect Your Home from a Power Surge
While understanding what power surges are and why they are problematic is important, that doesn’t help you keep your home and belongings safe! Follow these tips to prevent damage from power surges.
Use Surge Protectors
This is one of the easiest ways to protect your items. Plug any electronics, particularly the pricey ones, into surge protectors. These may not help in the case of a lightning strike, but they can do the trick with lower-voltage surges.
Install a Whole-Home Surge Protector
Whole-home surge protection may be a heftier up-front investment, but in many cases, it pays for itself! These heavy-duty systems protect your entire home, as the name suggests, and can even reroute lightning voltage away from your home into the ground.
If you live in an area where intense lightning is common (hello Floridians), a whole-home surge protector is the way to go.
Contact our team of electrical experts at Axiom Power, and we’ll help you find and install the whole-home surge protector that’s best for you!
Unplug Sensitive Electronics & Appliances During a Storm
Surge protectors are a great and convenient way to keep your belongings safe, but unplugging everything is your best guarantee that your devices will come out unscathed. Unplugging should 100% be on your hurricane prep checklist.
Inspect Your Home’s Wiring
Faulty wiring is not only problematic for your electrical functioning, but it’s also a threat to your safety. It’s important to have a routine electrical inspection performed on your home, especially if you own an older piece of property.
Be Smart About Your Outlets
Make sure to not plug too many devices into one outlet, especially if they are larger appliances. Otherwise, you risk overloading your electrical system and causing damage to your items.
Learn More > Watt Your Outlets Can Safely Handle
Signs of a Storm Surge
Sometimes it will be obvious that you’ve experienced a power surge, but other times, it won’t be. Look for these signs and be sure to assess any damage if you think you’ve been hit.
Flickering or brightening lights
System reset or flashing clock
Burnt smell
If you have any reason to think your electrical system is damaged, it’s a good idea to call in the pros.
Stay Grounded When Power Surges
Power surges shouldn’t be taken likely, especially when they occur frequently in your area. Take our advice, and follow these tips to stay safe. Not to be dramatic, but it literally could be what saves your house from burning down.
Our team at Axiom Power is here to support your electrical needs, no matter what they may be! We’re all too familiar with the devastating impacts of severe weather and want to ensure you feel taken care of when it comes to electrical safety.
If you’ve recently faced a serious surge and are concerned about damage, call/text Axiom Power - (813) 308-9328 for residential or (727) 687-4452 for commercial.