Power surges are a highly disliked occurrence in electrical systems. Our dependency on electricity is increasing day by day. The sale of electrical devices and electric vehicles will only mean that the electricity consumption in homes is going to shoot up consistently over the coming years. Power surges can cause damages to devices and appliances and this is only the beginning. It is necessary that the home’s electricity supply must be consistent and dependable. Nevertheless, power surges are not uncommon, which can impact your regular routines besides causing damages to property. Here we discuss the common causes of power surge and the ways to prevent it.
Power surge explained
The regular electricity supply in homes is 120 volts. Sometimes, the voltage can fluctuate between 0 and 169 volts. If the power shoots up to 169 volts, it is known as a power surge, which is also called as transient voltage.
When the flow of electricity to a device in your home suddenly increases above the normal operating range, a power surge will result. High power surges can cause electrical arc and heat, which can either damage or destroy the wiring inside the home and the other electrical components. Some cases of power surge can happen even without your knowledge, which can gradually affect the performance of electronic equipment.
Power surge causes
The most common causes for power surge is an interruption in the flow of electricity such as a blackout or power outage. Other causes can be power overload due to faulty wiring. Power surge observed in homes can be due to power fluctuations caused by big equipment like washers, dryers, power tools, furnaces, and air conditioners. Changes in power grid or causes like lightening taking out a transformer or power lines can cause power surge outside the home.
So, the most common causes of power surges identified by electrical services in Sydney are electrical overload and bad wiring. If you happen to notice scorched marks in outlets, frequently tripped circuit breakers or burnt smell from the electrical outlets, you may strongly suspect power surge inside your home. Lightning strike can result in voltage spikes and cause indirect damage to appliances. Lightning can also directly hit the power lines leading to delivering a large amount of electricity.
Large scale power grid failures can result in power outages or blackouts. When the power is restored after this, the sudden jump in power can lead to power surge. Power outages can severely damage plugged-in equipment that does not have any surge protectors.
How to prevent power surges inside your home?
To prevent power surges inside your home, never use multiple appliances in one circuit. Large equipment must never be plugged into the same socket. Unplug appliances when they are not in use. Update outdated wiring and electrical panel from time to time.
Electrical services in Sydney can help install whole house surge protection system in order to avoid the undesirable impacts of power surges. Investing in a power surge protection system is going to save you a lot of money in ensuring peace of mind and protecting your electrical system, appliances and devices.
