Power Surge Explained: Prevent Damage from Voltage Spikes

Posted on June 21st, 2024

A power surge, characterized by a sudden spike in electrical voltage, can wreak havoc on sensitive electronics, leading to potential damage and costly replacements.

They can be caused by lightning strikes, power grid issues, or faulty wiring, and these surges pose a significant threat to household and business electrical systems alike.

This article explores the fundamentals of power surges, their causes, and practical measures to mitigate their impact, ensuring the longevity and safety of your electrical investments.

What Is a Power Surge?

A power surge, also known as a voltage spike, is a sudden and brief increase in voltage within an electrical circuit. Normal household voltage is typically around 120 volts. During a power surge, the voltage can rise significantly above this level, sometimes to thousands of volts. These spikes can last anywhere from a few microseconds to several minutes, causing various degrees of damage to electronic devices and appliances.

Common Causes of Power Surges

• Overloaded Circuits: When too many devices are plugged into a single circuit, it can cause an overload, leading to a power surge.
• Faulty Wiring: Poorly installed or damaged wiring can create unstable electrical currents, resulting in surges.
• Power Outages: When power is restored after an outage, the sudden influx of electricity can cause a surge.
• Lightning Strikes: Although rare, a lightning strike can send an enormous voltage spike through the electrical system.
• Power Grid Issues: Problems within the power grid, such as transformer malfunctions, can lead to surges.
• Miscellaneous Events: Accidents or animals damaging power lines can also cause voltage spikes.

Damage from Power Surges

Power surges can cause significant damage to any device connected to your electrical system. The severity of the damage depends on the magnitude of the surge and the type of device affected.

Types of Damage

• Electronic Devices: Computers, televisions, and other electronic gadgets are particularly vulnerable to surges, which can fry their circuits.
• Appliances: Larger appliances like refrigerators and washing machines can suffer motor damage or complete failure.
• Fires: Severe surges can cause wiring to overheat, potentially leading to electrical fires.
• Data Loss: Power surges can corrupt or destroy data stored on electronic devices.

Preventing Damage from Voltage Spikes

Fortunately, there are several effective methods to protect your home or business from the damaging effects of power surges.

Using Surge Protectors

• Power Strips with Surge Protection: These devices provide a convenient way to protect multiple electronics from surges.
• Surge Protectors for Specific Devices: Invest in high-quality surge protectors designed for sensitive electronics like computers and home entertainment systems.

Installing Specialty Outlets

• AFCI Outlets: Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) outlets help prevent electrical fires by detecting dangerous arcing conditions.
• GFCI Outlets: Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets protect against ground faults that can cause surges.

Service Entrance Surge Protection

• Whole-House Surge Protectors: Installed at your electrical panel, these devices provide a first line of defense against external surges.
• Utility Surge Protectors: Some utility companies offer surge protection devices that can be installed at the meter.

Unplugging Devices During Severe Weather

• Safety Precaution: During storms or when you expect power interruptions, unplugging devices can prevent surge damage.
• Preemptive Measure: This is especially important for high-value electronics that are more susceptible to damage.

Consulting Electricians for Wiring Issues

• Professional Inspection: Have an electrician inspect your home’s wiring to ensure it is up to code and free from faults.
• Regular Maintenance: Regular checks can identify potential issues before they lead to surges.

Panel Upgrades for Surge Protection

Another effective way to safeguard against power surges is to upgrade your electrical panel. Older panels may not offer the necessary protection or capacity to handle modern electrical loads, making them more susceptible to surges.

Benefits of Panel Upgrades

• Increased Capacity: Newer panels can handle higher electrical loads, reducing the risk of overloads and surges.
• Enhanced Safety: Modern panels come with advanced safety features that protect against surges and other electrical hazards.
• Improved Efficiency: Upgraded panels provide more efficient power distribution, which can help prevent surges caused by overloaded circuits.

Choosing the Right Surge Protection

When it comes to surge protection, selecting the right equipment is crucial. Consider the following tips to ensure you get the best protection for your needs.

Evaluating Surge Protectors

• Joule Rating: The joule rating indicates how much energy a surge protector can absorb before failing. Higher ratings offer better protection.
• Clamping Voltage: This is the voltage level at which the surge protector begins to divert excess electricity. Lower clamping voltage provides better protection.
• Response Time: The faster the response time, the quicker the surge protector can react to a spike, reducing potential damage.

Investing in Quality Equipment

• Reputable Brands: Choose surge protectors from reputable manufacturers known for quality and reliability.
• Warranty: Look for products that come with a warranty, as this can provide added peace of mind and protection for your devices.

Maintaining Surge Protection Devices

Regular maintenance of surge protection devices is essential to ensure they function correctly and provide optimal protection. Without proper upkeep, even the best surge protectors can fail, leaving your electronic devices vulnerable to voltage spikes.

Regular Inspection

• Check Indicators: Many surge protectors come with indicator lights that show their status. Regularly checking these lights ensures the device is functioning.
• Replace Worn-Out Devices: Surge protectors have a finite lifespan. Replace them if they show signs of wear or if their indicator lights suggest they are no longer effective.

Professional Assistance

• Scheduled Maintenance: Have a professional electrician inspect and maintain your whole-house surge protection system.
• Upgrades: As technology advances, newer and more effective surge protection devices become available. Consider upgrading your system periodically.

At Edlectric Services, we understand the importance of a safe and efficient electrical system.

Our licensed contractors offer 24/7 emergency service, lighting and electrical repairs, electrical troubleshooting, and panel upgrades.

Upgrading your electrical panel is particularly essential for older homes, ensuring they meet current electrical standards and can handle increased power demands.

Conclusion

Understanding power surges and their potential damage is crucial for protecting your electronic devices and appliances. By using surge protectors, installing specialty outlets, upgrading your electrical panel, and maintaining your surge protection devices, you can prevent costly damage and ensure a safer home or business environment.

At Edlectric Services, we specialize in providing top-notch electrical services, including panel upgrades and surge protection solutions.

If you have any concerns about power surges or need assistance with your electrical system, contact us at (678) 768-8934 or [email protected].

Our team is here to help you safeguard your valuable electronics and maintain a reliable electrical system.