Most households will experience a power surge at some point and these surges can potentially damage electrical equipment among other issues. Typically, when there is a power surge, it will trigger the circuit breaker to shut down on the electrical currents in that area. If you are more equipped to recognize the power surges, you can prevent hazards and damage. We at Burley Electrical Services, Inc would like to discuss the fundamentals of a power surge.
Definition of Power Surges & Electrical Spikes
When a device that is supposed to draw electricity puts it back into the system instead or there’s an unexpected interruption to the flow of electricity through the grid, a power surge occurs. The primary voltage in the U.S. is 120 volts although some homes are equipped with 240 volts to accommodate certain appliances. If these devices are plugged into an outlet without proper protection, a power surge can be produced, which will most likely lead to the device sustaining damage other potential hazards. In less than a thousandth of a second, these quick spikes of electrical currents can be produced, and the voltage can vary. The voltage and the electric currents can be a complex concept and the electrical devices manufactured at varying degrees of quality only adds more variables to how the electrical currents respond to the voltage.
What Causes Power Surges in My Home?
There is an assortment of contributing factors that can cause a power surge; below are the most common sources.
1) Power spikes from high powered electrical devices occur when they are switched on or if a high-energy component, such as a motor, is activated. This event can impact other electrical outlets throughout the home. Common devices include air conditioner, space heaters, or refrigerators.
2) Should a damage circuit breaker, designed to protect your home from power surges, be an issue, the surges can be become a risk down the track.
3) Faulty or bad wiring.
4) Tree limbs that grow into the line, sway by the wind, or break off can cause power surges.
5) Wildlife can tamper with electrical equipment, such as transformers, that cause a power surge often electrocuting them in the process.
6) A power surge can stem from the flow of electricity flooding your appliances at once after a power outage is restored. If you experience a blackout, it is recommended that you unplug all the devices and appliances and plug them back in once the power is restored.
7) Lightening striking at the right point can cause a power surge. Lighting rod installation can help you avoid this random act of nature.
Signs & How to Fix a Power Surge?
The majority of these issues can be resolved with a certified electrician repairing the electrical systems that are not conditioned to handle a power surge. These surges can cause severe damage to your appliances and repeated power surges will degrade the quality of the device. In less likely occurrences, a power surge can lead to electrical fires which can ultimately consume home. Noticing frequent tripping of your circuit breaker or safety switch, devices suddenly resetting or losing power, or failing or broken electrical devices are the warning signs of excessive power surges.
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You can keep your home and electronics safer by minimizing the power surges by applying the following: Surge protectors, quality safety switches, service provider protection, and keeping the devices not regularly used unplugged until you need them. If your home suffers from frequent power surges, contact Burley Electrical Services, Inc today for an electrical system inspection and we will assess the electrical system’s quality and present optimal solutions to increase your safety and minimize the surges.
