Common Causes of Power Surges and How to Prevent Them

Power surges are sudden spikes in electrical voltage that can damage your electrical devices, appliances, and even cause fires. While power surges are common, they can be prevented or minimized with the right precautions. Understanding the causes of power surges is the first step in protecting your home or business from costly damage.

Common Causes of Power Surges

1. Lightning Strikes: Lightning strikes are one of the most powerful causes of power surges. When lightning hits power lines or nearby structures, it sends a massive surge of energy through the electrical grid, reaching homes and businesses.

2. Faulty Wiring: Damaged or outdated wiring in your home or office can cause voltage instability, leading to power surges. Poor connections or frayed wires are more likely to result in a surge that can damage appliances and devices.

3. Overloaded Circuits: When multiple devices or appliances are plugged into the same circuit, the system can become overloaded, leading to an imbalance in voltage. This imbalance can result in a surge that impacts the functionality of your electrical system.

4. Large Appliances Switching On and Off: Large appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners, and water heaters can cause temporary power surges when they cycle on and off. These appliances draw significant amounts of electricity and create sudden fluctuations in the voltage.

5. Grid Switching and Maintenance: Utility companies often switch power grids on and off for maintenance or to balance the load. These actions can inadvertently cause voltage spikes that affect the power supply in homes or businesses.

6. Power Outages and Restorations: When power outages occur and the electricity is restored, surges can follow as the electrical grid recharges. This sudden influx of energy can damage sensitive electronics and appliances.

How to Prevent Power Surges

Install Surge Protectors: One of the most effective ways to prevent power surges is by installing surge protectors. These devices help absorb excess voltage and redirect it safely, preventing damage to connected appliances and devices. Make sure to use a surge protector rated for the devices you want to protect.

Upgrade Your Electrical Wiring: If your wiring is outdated or damaged, it’s important to have it upgraded by a professional electrician. Proper wiring ensures consistent voltage levels and reduces the likelihood of power surges caused by faulty connections.

Use Dedicated Circuits for Large Appliances: Avoid overloading circuits by using dedicated circuits for large appliances. This will ensure that the power supply is stable and prevent fluctuations when these devices turn on or off.

Invest in Whole-House Surge Protection: Whole-house surge protection systems offer the highest level of protection by safeguarding your entire electrical system. This system is installed at the electrical panel and protects against external surges like lightning strikes and grid fluctuations.

Unplug Devices During Storms: During electrical storms or heavy weather conditions, it’s a good idea to unplug sensitive electronics and appliances. Lightning strikes can cause sudden surges that surge protectors alone cannot prevent, so unplugging your devices can be an additional safeguard.

Regular Electrical Maintenance: Routine electrical inspections and maintenance by a qualified professional can help identify and fix potential issues with your electrical system before they cause damage. Regular maintenance will ensure your electrical system is running smoothly and efficiently.

How Core-Power Engineers Can Help

At Core-Power, we specialize in providing top-quality electrical and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) services. Our team of experts is equipped to handle power surge prevention through professional installations of surge protectors, electrical upgrades, and more. Whether you need a whole-house surge protection system, electrical wiring repairs, or regular maintenance, we’re here to help.

For more information on how we can safeguard your home or business from power surges and provide expert MEP solutions, contact Core-Power today. We’re committed to ensuring your electrical systems are safe, efficient, and reliable.

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