Electricity is the most used and convenient modern-day invention in the universe. It will be safe to say that electricity is the bedrock that runs most countries’ economies and almost everything in your home.
Electricity is essential, and it is crucial for you to have an uninterrupted, reliable supply. Most utility companies aspire to provide reliable supply; however, electrical power surges are known to disrupt the process.
Electrical Power Surge
As the name indicates, an electrical power surge is a surge of electrical power to higher levels. Usually, volt levels for electronics and household appliances in most countries range between 110 and 220 volts. When remarkably more power voltage enters through the wires into appliances is called a power surge.
Technically, a power surge is an overvoltage or transient wave of power current that lasts for a while. An electrical power surge can be large or small with the power to damage or reduce the performance of devices that are plugged in. Most power surges last only microseconds.
Causes of Electrical Power Surge
The causes of an electrical power surge can be external or internal. External causes are found outside your house and out of your control, while internal causes are inside your house.
Faulty Wiring
Though it may not be easy to spot faulty wiring since it is behind the walls, some indicators can show the presence of faulty wiring. The indicators may include but are not limited to burning smell from outlets, burn marks, circuit breakers tripping frequently and buzzing sound from outlets.
Lightning Strike
Lightning triggers power surges by directly striking power lines, thus producing large power voltage. The electricity system accepts the enormous excess current creating a massive spike in voltage, causing a remarkable electrical surge.
Circuit Overload
Circuit overload happens when excess power is taken from a single circuit. An overload happens when you overuse an extension by plugging too many gadgets into a single circuit. The circuit may be overwhelmed and receive significant current causing a spike in voltage from the excess power being taken.
Power Blackout
Power blackouts result from a failure in a large-scale power grid, and when a return connection happens, a sudden spike in currency may occur. The sudden spike in currency can cause a power surge.
High Power-Consuming Electronics
Heavy household machines like air conditioners can also cause a power surge. The appliances take vast amounts of voltage from the circuit of your house. Also, switching electrical appliances on and off can cause an electrical power surge.
Dangers of Power of Surge
Power surges are dangerous to you, your loved ones and your electronic appliances and devices. A robust surge can make your home appliances overheat and even catch fire. Overheating and fire-causing surge depends on its severity.
All power surges, solid or weak, carry with them the risk of causing a fire. However, a spike in power voltage caused by lightning could be more dangerous compared to a spike caused by switching electronics off and on.
What Power Surge Does To Electronics
Most home electrical appliances operate with a power voltage of 120 volts, and when a power surge happens, the voltage exceeds 169 volts. The excess voltage causes damage to circuit boards and several components that run your devices and appliances.
How to Prevent Power Surge
There are several ways you can prevent your home and electronics from internal and external power surges. You can prevent internal power surges by avoiding circuit overload and ensuring that large electronic appliances do not share sockets with other appliances. Also, ensure your electrical wiring is done correctly.
Unplug your appliances during bad weather like lightning and severe storms to prevent external power surges. Furthermore, you can consider getting surge protection devices for your appliances and gadgets. That way, you will prevent excess voltage from getting to your electronics in case of a surge.
Surge Protection Devices and How They Work
A surge protection device is a device that protects your home appliances and electronics from voltage spikes. The devices protect your electronics by dispersing excess power into the ground, preventing it from reaching plugged-in devices.
Most surge protecting devices come as a power strip that allows you to plug in several devices and protect all of them. However, not all power strips are surge protecting devices. When shopping, look for a device labeled clearly as a surge protection device and specifications on the packaging. To protect your home from electrical surges, you can install a surge for the whole house, thus ensuring that your items are protected from external surges.
You have covered vital information about electrical power surges and surge protectors. You should go ahead and ensure you keep yourself, your loved ones and your electronic appliances safe. Remember to unplug your devices and appliances during bad weather and not overload circuits. Also, get surge protectors for your electronics. Finally, find an electrician to check your home’s electrical system to keep your house safe from power surges.
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