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15/17 Suny Jigide Street, By Celestial Way, Ogudu Lagos.
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15/17 Suny Jigide Street, By Celestial Way, Ogudu Lagos.
Mon-Fri 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
+234(0)9130003339
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31 Jan, 2023
Posted by omoniyicorepower
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Power Surge: Definition, Causes, and Prevention

A power surge, also known as an electrical surge, is a sudden and brief increase in voltage in an electrical power source. This spike in voltage can be caused by a variety of factors, including lightning strikes, power outages, and even solar flares. 

Power surges can damage or destroy electronic equipment, such as computers, televisions, and appliances, and can also cause electrical fires. 

Causes of Power Surge

  1. The most common cause of power surges is the turning on and off of large appliances, such as air conditioners and refrigerators: When these appliances turn on, they can cause a temporary spike in voltage as they draw a large amount of power. 
    Similarly, when they turn off, they can cause a temporary dip in voltage. These fluctuations in voltage are known as “brownouts” and can cause damage to electronic equipment over time. 
  2. Another common cause of power surges is lightning strikes: Lightning can cause a sudden and intense spike in voltage that can damage or destroy electronic equipment. This is why it’s important to unplug electronics during a thunderstorm. 
  3. Power outages can also cause power surges: When the power goes out, the electrical grid can become unstable, causing voltage to spike as power is restored. This is why it’s important to turn off electronic equipment during a power outage. 
  4. Solar flares can also cause power surges: These flares are intense bursts of radiation that are emitted by the sun. They can cause temporary disruptions in the Earth’s magnetic field, which can cause power surges. 

How to Prevent Power Surge

  1. Use surge protectors for all your electronics: Devices with a surge protector can absorb excess voltage and prevent it from damaging your electronics.
  2. Unplug electronics during thunderstorms: During thunderstorms, you should try to unplug your gadgets as this can help prevent harm from lightning strikes or other electrical disturbances.
  3. Install whole-house surge protectors: By diverting surges to a ground wire, these devices protect all equipment connected to your main electrical panel or distribution board.
  4. Keep your wiring and electrical systems up to date: Power surges can be avoided by doing routine maintenance or energy audit on your facility’s wiring and other electrical equipment. Faulty or obsolete wiring can cause power surges.
  5. Use battery backups for sensitive equipment: Batteries provide a backup power source during power outages, keeping sensitive electronics running and protecting them from power surges.
  6. Install solar system: Installing a solar power system can also help prevent power surges. Solar panels produce DC power which is then converted to AC power by an inverter. This conversion process can help regulate the flow of electricity and prevent surges. Additionally, solar panels can provide a backup power source during power outages, which can reduce the likelihood of surges caused by fluctuations in the electrical grid.
See also  Electrical safety tips in the home: 7 tips for new homeowners

Note: Always consult with a licensed electrician for safe and effective installation of electrical systems.

How to Protect your Appliances from Power Surge

To protect your electronic equipment from power surges, you can use a power surge protector. A power surge protector is a device that is plugged into an electrical outlet and is designed to protect electronic equipment from voltage spikes. It works by diverting the excess voltage to a ground wire. 

When choosing a power surge protector, it’s important to choose one with a high “joule rating.” The joule rating is a measure of a surge protector’s ability to absorb energy. The higher the joule rating, the more protection a surge protector will provide. 

Another important factor to consider when choosing a power surge protector is the number of outlets it has. If you have multiple electronic devices that need to be protected, you’ll want to choose a surge protector with several outlets. 

In summary, a power surge, also known as an electrical surge, is a sudden and brief increase in voltage in an electrical power source. It can be caused by various factors including lightning strikes, power outages, solar flares, and even turning on and off of large appliances. 

Power surges can damage or destroy electronic equipment, such as computers, televisions, and appliances, and can also cause electrical fires. 

To protect your electronic equipment from power surges, you can use a power surge protector with high joule rating and multiple outlets.

Contact us right away if you require electrical experts to install a power surge protector; we would be pleased to provide you with excellent service.

 
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