A power surge can cause a circuit breaker, resulting in the total shutdown of electrical items. However, power surges don’t occur without a few obvious warning signs. Unfortunately, this is something we often overlook. Every household must experience this incidence, at least at a point in time. So here’s how to recognize the impending danger of a power surge and how to protect your home.
The Dangers of a Power Surge
Power surges break out when there’s a sudden disruption to the electricity flow via grids. It could also occur when an appliance that is meant to extract electricity sends it back to the system.
While we’re becoming more comfortable with electricity and unconsciously feeling secure using them, we shouldn’t ignore the risks involved.
What is the Possible Span Of A Power Surge?
An electrical current spike is an exceptionally quick process. It takes less than a thousand seconds to occur. Surge voltage can vary. It could be hundreds of volts. It could be thousands of volts. Just keep in mind that volts have no fixed current. It fluctuates. And the fluctuation is largely determined by the current behaviour. The process becomes complicated when concepts like 3-phase power are introduced. For more twist to the mix, countries have their own standards.
What Are The Common Signs Of A Power Surge?
When you think of an electrical surge, what comes to mind is a blacked-out TV or a burnt laptop. But, that’s not actually how it works, most times.
Not all cases of power surges cause immediate destruction to electronic devices.
Below are a few telltale signs that there’s a power surge in the home. While these signs don’t reveal the exact causes of power surges, they can help point you in the right direction.
Devices Power Loss
When your appliances frequently lose power or they reset themselves, you may have a voltage spike.
Appliances Not Working
This is the most common sign of a power surge. This unexpectedly high voltage destroys the electronics that just stop working.
Tripped Circuit Breaker
Power surges usually cause circuit overload. Fuses have the ‘trip’ feature that prevents high voltage from overheating wires or possibly damaging electronics.
Wiring Error
Frayed wires, flickering lights, and warm wall outlets are common signs of bad wiring.
Safety Measures to Preventing Power Surge At Home
There are a few safety measures you can apply to limit the risk of a possible power surge.
Protect phone lines – it helps limit the risk of phone damage.
Apply for surge protection on high-end appliances – be sure to not use cheap or low-quality electronics that may destroy other electronics.
High-quality safety switches – avoid cheap, unable power plugs. Protect your electronics with top-grade equipment.
Protect service provider – Alert your service providers on possible risks outside the home.
Unplug unused appliances – This is the most recommended way of keeping your risk to a minimum and even save monthly utility costs.
Expert advice and strategies remain the best way to protect your home against a power surge.