How to Identify Electrical Surges and Protect Your Home

Electrical surges can damage appliances, increase energy waste, and pose serious safety hazards if not detected early. Understanding how to identify electrical surges helps homeowners and businesses take preventive measures to safeguard their electrical systems. At Core-Power Engineers, we specialize in detecting and resolving electrical issues, ensuring the safety and efficiency of your power supply.

What is an Electrical Surge?

An electrical surge is a sudden and brief spike in voltage that can occur in a home or business’s electrical system. While normal voltage levels in most Nigerian homes range between 220V – 240V, a surge significantly exceeds these limits, potentially causing damage.

How to Identify Electrical Surges

Detecting electrical surges early can help prevent extensive damage. Here are the key signs:

1️⃣    Flickering or Dimming Lights

If your lights flicker or dim unexpectedly, it could indicate a power surge affecting voltage stability.

This often happens when large appliances (e.g., refrigerators, air conditioners) turn on.

2️⃣    Frequent Tripping of Circuit Breakers

Circuit breakers are designed to trip when there’s an excess current flow.

If your breakers frequently trip, it may signal an ongoing issue with power surges.

3️⃣     Burnt or Scorched Outlets

Check your power outlets for burn marks or discoloration.

A burning smell around outlets is a serious warning sign of electrical issues.

4️⃣    Sudden Appliance Malfunctions

Appliances shutting down, overheating, or malfunctioning without explanation may indicate surge damage.

Devices with sensitive electronics (TVs, computers, etc.) are particularly vulnerable.

5️⃣    Buzzing or Crackling Sounds from Wiring

Unusual sounds from electrical wiring or outlets could signal arcing due to surges.

This issue requires immediate professional inspection.

Common Causes of Electrical Surges

Understanding what triggers electrical surges helps in prevention. Some common causes include:

Power Grid Fluctuations – Unstable power supply from the national grid.

Lightning Strikes – A major cause of high-voltage surges during storms.

Overloaded Circuits – Excessive use of high-powered devices on a single circuit.

Faulty Wiring – Damaged or outdated wiring increases the risk of power surges.

How to Protect Your Home from Electrical Surges

Taking proactive measures helps reduce the impact of surges: ✔ Use Surge Protectors

Plug sensitive appliances into surge protectors to regulate voltage. ✔ Install a Whole-House Surge Protector

Protects all electrical systems from large voltage spikes. ✔ Unplug Devices During Storms

Reduce risk by disconnecting non-essential appliances. ✔ Schedule Regular Electrical Inspections

Detect and fix faulty wiring before problems arise.

Get Expert Electrical Surge Solutions with Core-Power Engineers

If you notice signs of electrical surges in your home or business, Core-Power Engineers provides expert electrical inspections, surge protection installation, and power audits to detect and resolve surge-related issues.

Contact us today to ensure a safer, more reliable power system!

Call / WhatsApp (+234) 9130003339 (Office)

(+234) 9090000998 (Appointments)