How to Deal With Frequent Power Surges

Do you ever get those moments where everything in your house turns off and on again, like a scene out of a horror movie? If so, you’re not alone. A power surge can be a major inconvenience, causing your computer to shut down or your TV to turn off in the middle of a show. Frequent power surges are an all too common occurrence and can be pretty frustrating. So what can you do to deal with them? Keep reading for some tips.

What is a Power Surge?

Electrical surges are sudden, brief increases in voltage that can damage electronic equipment. While several factors can cause power surges, they all have one thing in common: an increase in voltage. This can happen when electricity is suddenly diverted from one circuit to another, such as when a power line is struck by lightning. The sudden influx of electricity overloads the circuits and causes a surge.

While most surges are caused by events outside the home, such as lightning strikes or downed power lines, they can also be caused by problems with the home’s electrical system. Overloaded circuits, faulty wiring, and loose connections can all lead to electrical surges.

These problems cause the electricity to “back up” and create a surge when the electricity can finally flow again.

Power surges can cause serious damage to electronic equipment, so it’s important to take steps to prevent them.

What to do When You Experience a Power Surge

Reset And Repower

When a surge occurs, it’s important to reset and repower your devices as quickly as possible. Otherwise, you may experience problems with your electrical equipment. To reset your devices, simply unplug them from the wall outlet and plug them back in. This will help to clear any surges from the system. Once you’ve reset your devices, you’ll need to repower them. To do this, turn off the main power switch and then turn it back on again. By resetting and repowering your devices, you’ll help prevent any further damage.

Assess The Damage

While it’s important to unplug devices during a power outage, you also need to take some time to assess the damage once the power comes back on. Check for any sparks or charred outlets, and look for any signs of damage to your appliances. If you find anything that looks damaged, you should call an electrician before using that appliance again.

Reset Your HVAC Systems

While they typically only last for a fraction of a second, power surges can cause significant damage to electrical appliances and systems. One of the most vulnerable systems in your home is your HVAC system. To protect your HVAC system from damage, it is important to reset it after a power surge. To do this, simply turn off the power to the unit and wait for five minutes before turning it back on. This will give the system time to reset and hopefully avoid damage from the power surge.

How Can Power Surges be Prevented?

Make Sure Your Devices are not Overloading Circuits

Many people use multiple devices at home and work, including computers, printers, and coffee makers. While these devices are essential for daily life, they can also strain the electrical circuits they are plugged into. Overloaded circuits can lead to power surges, which can damage electronic equipment.

To prevent this from happening, it is important to make sure that your devices are not overloading circuits. One way to do this is to plug in only one device per outlet. In addition, you should avoid using extension cords whenever possible. If you must use an extension cord, ensure that it is rated for the power your devices will be drawing. By following these simple tips, you can help to prevent costly power surges.

Install Surge Protectors

A surge protector is a device that protects your electrical appliances from damage caused by power surges. Power surges can occur for various reasons, such as lightning strikes or faults in the power grid. When they happen, they can cause serious damage to your electronics, potentially costing you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repairs. Thankfully, surge protectors can provide a measure of protection against these sudden spikes in voltage. By plugging your devices into a surge protector, you can help to prevent them from being damaged the next time a power surge occurs. Surge protectors are inexpensive, so there’s no reason not to take this simple step to protect your valuable electronics.

Inspect And Upgrade Outdated Wiring

Many homes and businesses have outdated wiring that can’t handle the electricity that today’s devices require. This can lead to power surges that damage electronics and appliances. Inspecting and upgrading your wiring is an important way to prevent power surges. Look for signs of fraying or bare wires, and make sure all outlets are properly grounded. If you need help determining whether your wiring is up to code, hire a qualified electrician to inspect it. Ensuring your wiring is up to date is important in protecting your home from power surges.

How CNA Electric Ltd Can Help

While power surges are annoying and can cause damage to your devices, there are ways you can prepare for them. Updating your electrical wiring and ensuring your devices aren’t overloading circuits can help reduce the frequency of power surges in your home. And surge protectors can protect your devices from high voltage when a power surge does occur. If you need help assessing your home’s vulnerability to power surges or upgrading your electrical system, contact us at CNA electric ltd. We’ll help you protect your home against this pesky problem.