Power surges are brief, high-voltage spikes that can damage your electronics and appliances. They happen when devices draw more electricity than they’re rated for at a given moment. Sometimes a fuse blows or circuit breaker trips. At other times, the cause is much more complex, like shifting voltage or imbalances in the power grid itself.
If you’ve experienced a power surge or know someone who has, here’s what you should know to protect your electronic gadgets and home security systems.
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
Power surges can occur when the voltage rises above normal levels for a short period of time. The most common causes of power surges are lightning, faulty wiring and electrical appliances that are plugged in but not switched on.
Lightning is one of the most common causes of power surges. When lightning strikes, it sends a surge of electricity through the air that travels down the lines to your home and into your appliances. This surge can cause damage to electronic devices like televisions, computers and even household wiring.
Faulty wiring is another common cause of power surges because it allows electricity to flow where it shouldn’t be flowing, such as into an appliance or light fixture instead of out through a wire in an outlet or receptacle.
Signs of Power Surges
When a power surge occurs, it can be hard to tell if your appliances have been damaged or not. Most of the time, you won’t see any signs of damage, but sometimes there are signs that you should look out for.
The first sign that you’ve had a power surge is if your lights flicker when you turn them on or if they don’t work at all. This usually means that there’s something wrong with the wiring in your house, and it needs to be checked by an electrician.
Another sign would be if some of your appliances stop working properly or break down completely. This could mean that they weren’t built well enough to withstand high voltage surges and might need replacing.
Protection and Prevention
The best way to protect yourself from power surges is to take precautions to prevent them. Surge protectors help to reduce the risk of damage to your appliances during a power surge. For this reason, you should always make sure that your home is equipped with surge protectors throughout the property.
Also, keep a close eye on your energy bill. If your bill increases significantly, it could be a sign that your home has experienced a power surge. Of course, If you notice that one of your appliances is damaged or doesn’t seem to be working properly, this can also indicate that a power surge has occurred.
Conclusion
A power surge is a change in the electrical flow into your home that causes the voltage to increase. Power surges can cause damage to appliances and sometimes even cause an outage. They’re most commonly caused by lightning or faulty equipment, but they can also be caused by an overloaded appliance. There are a few ways you can protect yourself from power surges, including using surge protectors, keeping an eye on your bill, and checking for signs of damage.
