Power surges are a major problem for both homes and office buildings worldwide. They can reduce the lifespan of your electronics and damage the wiring in your home or office. Therefore, taking measures to prevent a power surge is critical and should not be overlooked. To do this, it is always best to consult an experienced commercial electrician. They will not only help you take measures to prevent power surges, but they will also help you understand the causes of power surges so that you can minimize the risk of them ever happening again.
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What is a Power Surge?
A power surge is a sudden, large increase in voltage. They can be caused by lightning strikes or other natural disasters. Power surges can damage your electronics, including computers and phones, and also damage the power lines themselves. They could also lead to a fire or other serious problems for you and your family. The signs of a power surge include:
- Device lights flickering
- Unusual odor like that of a burning rubber
- Electrical systems not working properly
- Electrical outlets that won’t turn on or off
Meanwhile, here are some power surge protection tips you shouldn’t ignore.
Contact a Trusted Electrician To help install Protection Tips
When you’re looking to protect your home or business from power surges, it’s important to find a trustworthy electrician who can help. A good electrician will have a thorough understanding of your home’s electrical system. They’ll know how to test for any problems and provide you with a detailed report at the end of the work. You’ll also want an electrician who knows how to deal with tricky situations such as incorrect wiring.
Disconnect Electrical Devices and Appliances From the Plug Source When Not in Use
Never leave a home appliance on when not in use. It’s important to disconnect electrical devices and appliances from the plug source when not in use to prevent overloading the power source. This can also reduce the risk of short-circuiting, energy bills, and damage to the device.
Don’t Overload Your Circuits
Your phone and other electronics are sensitive to voltage and current. Hence, overloading your circuits can lead to their damage. Overloading a circuit can also lead to circuit failure and other issues. If you notice that your circuit is overloaded, take steps to reduce this load as soon as possible.
You can do this by turning off unnecessary lights or appliances and unplugging unused equipment. You can also add a surge protector. For example, if you have a circuit that needs more power, like a blender or an electric stove, adding a surge protector can help to reduce the load on the circuit.
Upgrade Older Wiring
Upgrading older wiring to a newer type is one of the best ways to ensure your home or business is protected in the event of a power surge. If your home is older than 25 years, then you should upgrade your home’s wiring so that all appliances can have access to enough power from the main circuit panel. This will allow you to use new technologies and appliances without having to worry about safety issues.
Use a Surge Protecting Power Strip
If you’re looking to protect your devices from power surges, the easiest way to do so is with a power strip. These power strips come with a surge protector and help to protect your electronics from unsafe voltage fluctuations. If you use one at home, you can rest assured, knowing that your devices will be safe from damage when there’s an unexpected spike or dip in voltage.
Use Surge Protectors for Sensitive Electronics
Sensitive electronics are a lot more vulnerable to power surges than regular electronics. While you may not be too worried about your laptop or phone, sensitive electronics like medical equipment or industrial equipment can be extremely expensive to repair if a power surge damages them.
To protect your valuables against power surges, use surge protectors when you plug them in. During a power surge, surge protectors will help prevent the flow of excess voltage into the circuit your electronics are plugged in.
Use an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
One of the best ways to protect your data is by using Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). A UPS is an electronic device that has been designed to help protect computers from power outages. It helps to protect your internet connections and other electronics like routers and modems. It also provides uninterrupted operation during power outages.
Power surges are common occurrences, and they can cause significant damage. However, by following the tips above, you can protect your home or business from these surges, protect your electrical devices, and also save money.