When it comes to residential electrical hazards and problems, power surges are among the most common and most damaging. A power surge is an event that occurs when the flow of electricity in a building is interrupted and then started again. They can also occur when a device sends electricity flowing back into the system. Common causes of power surges include air conditioning units powering on/turning off, using high-draw appliances, and power being restored after an outage. Regardless of the cause, these surges can cause significant damage to many devices in your home. As providers of complete residential electrical services, the team at Expert Electric knows how detrimental a power surge can be. That is why they have compiled some information to help you understand how to deal with frequent power surges in your home.
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3 Tips to Help you Deal with Power Surges
The following tips can be utilized to reduce the frequency and severity of power surges:
1. Unplug any Unused Devices
One of the easiest ways to reduce the damage caused by a power surge is to unplug devices when they are not in use. If you take a look around your home, you can likely see multiple devices that are plugged in despite not being actively used. Examples of these devices include toasters, coffee makers, phone chargers, hair dryers, and gaming consoles. If these devices are not plugged in during a power surge, they are not at risk of sustaining any damage. Unplugging these devices can also reduce your energy consumption and electricity costs, making it a good practice for a variety of reasons.
2. Utilize Quality Surge Protectors
A high-quality surge protector can block excess voltage from reaching your devices, making them a vital addition to your home. Expensive and sensitive electronics such as televisions and computers should be plugged into a surge protector instead of directly into an outlet. Most surge protectors are available as power bars/strips, allowing for multiple devices to be plugged into one outlet while reducing the risk of damage.
3. Inspect and Upgrade Outdated Wiring
If you own an older home, your wiring can contribute to the frequency and severity of power surges. Many homes built before the 1980s are not equipped to handle the demands of modern appliances and entertainment devices. With this outdated wiring, your home could be at risk of an electrical fire if the power surge is strong enough. If your lights constantly flicker or you are regularly tripping your breaker, it is time to have a licensed electrician inspect your wiring.
To learn more about power surges and how to prevent them from occurring, get in touch with the team at Expert Electric. They can be reached through their online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.