First, you hear the roar of thunder, then you see the lightning ... and in a matter of seconds, the concern of appliances blowing out the electricity sets in. Lightning storms certainly warrant this concern, but it might surprise you to know that they aren’t the only threat to your building's electrical system. In fact, blowouts more often occur due to factors within your home’s own circuitry.
Devices running on motors, such as refrigerators, water pumps, and even hair dryers, cause most home power surges. These appliances use a lot of energy. When turned off, their power is diverted elsewhere in your circuitry as excess voltage.
Home-sourced surges also occur due to faulty wiring in your house or wiring incapable of withstanding voltage spikes. Additionally, short circuits and tripped breakers also cause potentially damaging power surges. In the worst cases, power surges can lead to house fires. Therefore, never take them lightly.
Upgrade Older Wiring
If you own an older home, you may find home wiring technology has long since fallen behind the capacity to handle newer, more powerful appliances—i.e., refrigerators, freezers, and entertainment systems. Frequently blown fuses and tripped circuit breakers usually indicate that your wiring cannot handle your home’s high-voltage appliances.
Unplug Unused Devices
To deter power surges, identify abandoned or unused appliances throughout your home that are still plugged into sockets. Though unused, these appliances still draw minimal amounts of electricity, contributing to the strain on your circuitry, which can increase the likelihood of a power surge. Furthermore, the more items you leave plugged into sockets, used or unused, the more items you end up damaging when a power surge occurs. Before leaving home, make it a point to unplug everything you are not using.
Get a Surge Protector
Some of the cheapest protections you can buy are surge protectors. These devices resemble the typical power strip but have the ability to absorb electrical surges and divert them into the ground, away from your devices.
Invest in Whole-Home Surge Protection
Surge protectors, though helpful, become awkward because they essentially function as extension cords. Also, their ability to absorb voltage spikes is limited, meaning that some appliances may still end up damaged. Fortunately, you can purchase surge protectors that cover the entire house.
Damaged appliances and house fires damage your home and valuable possessions while risking your life as well - an unwarranted stress for sure!
If you need to get your home’s wiring checked or wish to install a home-wide surge protector, be sure to contact your trusted electrician.
