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Most of us don’t realize how much we rely on electricity to navigate our daily lives. From our appliances, to our computers and televisions, even the locks on our doors, almost everything we interact with is powered in some way by electricity. That reliance on electric power leaves us vulnerable to sudden surges that can bring life to a halt.
An electrical surge is a momentary spike in voltage in the electric lines. Multiple smaller surges or a single large surge can damage or destroy valuable electronic devices such as high definition televisions, computers, media equipment, and home appliances. Continue reading to find out why the surges occur and how AB Electrical Services can help protect the home from these harmful spikes in electricity
Many people associate power surges with lightning strikes. A single bolt of lightning can instantly introduce millions of volts of electricity onto a home’s electrical wiring. This is enough energy to destroy a refrigerators motherboard, ruin controls on home appliances, fry multiple electronic devices, damage wall switches, and wipe-out every single GFI outlet in the home—causing tens of thousands of dollars in damages in the blink of an eye.
However, lightning strikes aren’t the only things that can cause electrical surges. Power outages and power transitions on the same electrical power line can also cause a surge in electricity. When electrical power is interrupted and then resumed, it briefly reintroduces a large amount of power to the wiring. Flipping tripped circuit breakers or powering off large motors such as air conditioning units or pool pumps can cause spikes in voltage through the electric wiring.
Any building receiving an electrical current can be subject to a power surge, especially buildings that run equipment with large motors, such as refrigerators, air-conditioning units, or other heavy machinery. Buildings located in areas prone to frequent lightning activity are at a higher risk of surges in electricity.
Any building receiving an electrical current can be subject to a power surge, especially buildings that run equipment with large motors, such as refrigerators, air-conditioning units, or other heavy machinery. Buildings located in areas prone to frequent lightning activity are at a higher risk of surges in electricity.
A surge protective device placed at the exterior electrical meter can help prevent surges from reaching the home’s internal wiring. Since installing this type of surge protector involves tampering with a buildings electric meter, installation must be coordinated with a power company.
A surge protective device can be attached to a home’s main breaker panel to help protect the home from a power surge. Surface mounted panels, typically located in basements or garages, allow the device to be attached directly to the side of the electrical panel. Flush mounted panels require a surge protective device that can be plugged into the panel’s buss.
Surge protective strips, outlets, or adaptors are used to protect specific devices in the home, such as televisions, computers, or appliances. The surge protector is plugged directly into the receptacle and each device is then plugged into the outlets on the surge protector.
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