Why Do I Keep Having Power Surges?
You want your home electrical system and appliances to function properly, and last a long time. However, there is an all too common, yet hidden danger that can disrupt and even damage vital electrical components: namely, power surges.
What are Power Surges?
The term "power surge" refers to the phenomenon that results when there's a spike in the overall electrical charge within a closed system, or when there's an unanticipated interruption to the flow of electricity through the grid. The catalyst for the disruption can cause excessive power to be discharged from the wall socket and into appliances or other electrically-driven components.
Even though most power surges last less than 1/1,000 of a second, they can cause serious damage to unprotected appliances. For example, in the United States appliances and other devices typically run at 110 volts 60 Hertz. If these devices are plugged into a power outlet without sufficient power surge protection, than a sharp increase in voltage could cause key electrical components to short out, and result in extensive damage to the machine.
What Causes Power Surges?
There are a number of common causes for power surges, including:
Electrical storms. Perhaps the most common catalyst for a power surge is a lightning strike near power lines. Even if the lightning bolt does not make direct contact with the power lines, the abrupt ionization of the surrounding air combined with the sheer energy of the lightning itself is often more than enough to cause the voltage within an electrical system to spike.
Tripped circuit breakers. While tripping a circuit breaker may protect your home in the short term, if it suffers damage in the process then it could become a power surge risk at some point in the future.
Faulty wiring. If bad or faulty wiring is in play, then normal electrical loads could quickly turn into potential power surges.
Power restoration after a blackout. The abrupt restoration of electrical power after a blackout could result in a power surge as all of your appliances and devices receive current at once.
What are Warning Signs for Power Surges?
While there is not much you can do to prevent a power surge in the moment, there are several warning signs that indicate you should take action to prevent a power surge from occurring in the future. 3 common warning signs include:
Frequently tripped circuit breakers or safety switches
Your devices suddenly resetting, or losing power
Broken or failing electrical devices
What Can You Do to Prevent Power Surges in Your Home?
The last thing you want for your home is a power surge. Not only could a power surge damage your appliances and devices, but it could even lead to a dangerous electrical fire. With that in mind, here are some steps you can take to minimize the risk of a power surge happening in your house:
Invest in surge protectors. These devices are relatively inexpensive, and can help you protect your more valuable electrical devices.
Unplug any appliances or electrical devices not in use. Your appliances can't suffer damage from a power surge if they're not plugged in! In addition, you'll save some money on your electric bill by keeping them unplugged.
Enlist professional help. An experienced electrician can provide guidance on how best to protect your home and can make key repairs as needed.
Power surges are no laughing matter. However, with some foresight and expert assistance, you can protect your home against their damaging effects. If you'd like to learn more, reach out to the premier electric repair in Tampa, FL area at Acme Electrical Services today.