How to Prevent Power Surges from Damaging Electronics
Electronics and devices are designed and manufactured to operate using specific voltage; anything less will fail to power the equipment while anything more can damage them. Power surges are a real threat to electronics, but there are ways to tackle this risk.
In this brief article brought to you by Mr. Electric, we introduce you to power surges and share some tips on preventing these from damaging your electronics. If you’d rather consult with a certified electrician in Austin, TX, then call Mr. Electric to hire a uniformed professional.
What is a power surge?
A power surge, sometimes referred to as a voltage spike, happens when the voltage in your electrical system rises above the normal level. In the United States, most homes are wired to handle 120 volts of electricity. During a power surge, the voltage can spike to thousands of volts in a matter of milliseconds. This sudden influx of electricity can wreak havoc on your electronics, causing anything from a temporary malfunction to permanent damage.
What causes a power surge?
Power surges can happen for a variety of reasons. Common causes include lightning strikes, power outages, high-powered appliances, and faulty wiring.
- Though rare, a lightning strike can send a massive surge of electricity through your home’s wiring.
- When the power is restored after an outage, it can sometimes cause a brief surge as electricity rushes back into your system.
- When large appliances like refrigerators, air conditioners, and power tools cycle on and off, they can create small surges in your home’s electrical system.
- If your home’s wiring is old or improperly installed, it may not be able to handle the electrical load, leading to surges.
The danger of power surges
While a power surge may only last for a fraction of a second, its impact can be long-lasting. Sensitive electronics like computers, TVs, gaming consoles, and even smart home devices are particularly vulnerable. When exposed to a surge, the delicate components inside these devices can be fried, leading to costly repairs or replacements.
But the damage from a power surge isn’t always immediate or obvious. In some cases, repeated small surges can gradually degrade the internal circuits of your devices, causing them to fail over time. This means that even if your electronics seem to be working fine after a surge, they could be silently suffering from long-term damage.
Protecting your electronics from power surges
The easiest and most effective way to protect your electronics is with a power surge installation. Surge protectors are designed to absorb excess voltage and prevent it from reaching your electronics.
When shopping for surge protectors, look for ones with a high joule rating (the higher, the better) and those that offer protection for all the devices you plan to plug in, including Ethernet, coaxial, and phone lines.
While surge protectors are great for individual devices, a whole-house surge protector offers broader protection. Installed at your main electrical panel, a whole-house surge protector guards your entire home against external surges,
Other tips for protecting from power surges
A surge protector is a great line of defense but there are other measures you can and should take as well:
- Unplug Devices During Storms
- Avoid Overloading Circuits
- Regularly Check Wiring and Replace Old or Frayed Wiring
If you ever need reliable electrical repair service, you can put your faith in the uniformed and certified electricians at Mr. Electric. Our team is on standby to take your call or message today.
