3 Tips for Dealing with Frequent Power Surges in Your Home

When talking about residential electrical hazards, power surges stick out as they are perhaps the most common but very dangerous. But what exactly is a power surge? Let’s find out!

A power surge or “transient voltage” is something that happens when the flow of electricity in a building is interrupted and then restored. Power surges can also happen if a device transmits power back into the system. Air conditioning units turning on and off repeatedly, using high-draw appliances, faulty wiring, and power is restored after an outage or blackout are some of the most common sources of residential power surges.

No matter the cause, though, power surges can cause considerable damage to a number of expensive gadgets and appliances in your home. Every professional residential electrical contractor understands the dangers of a power surge. That is why we have put together some expert-approved information to help you understand how to deal with frequent residential power surges.

The following tips can be used to lessen the frequency and severity of power surges in your home:

• Unplug devices when they are not in use.

Unplugging devices while they are not in use is one of the simplest ways to keep the damage caused by a power surge to a minimum. If you look around your house, you will probably notice several devices that are plugged in but are not in use. Toasters, coffee machines, phone chargers, hairdryers, and gaming consoles are examples of these devices. These devices are not at any risk of damage if they are not plugged in during a power surge. Unplugging these devices can also lower your energy consumption and utility bills, making it a good habit for more reasons than one.

• Invest in high-quality surge protectors.

A high-quality surge protector can prevent excessive voltage (voltage spikes) from impacting your expensive electronics, making it a necessary addition to your home. Televisions and computers — both expensive and sensitive — should be plugged into a surge protector rather than directly into an electrical outlet. Most surge protectors come in the form of power bars or strips, which allow a few devices to be plugged into a single outlet while lowering the risk of damage from a power surge.

• Take a look at your old wiring. Update if necessary.

If you live in an older house, the electrical wiring in your home may contribute to the occurrence and intensity of power surges. Many homes built prior to the 1980s are not up to the demands of modern home appliances. Unfortunately, if the power surge is strong enough, your home could catch fire due to this outdated wiring. If your lights are continually flickering or you are often tripping your breaker, it is best to ask yourself, “where can I find the best local electrical contractors near me?” and have your wiring inspected — or updated if necessary.

Get in touch with a qualified residential electrical contractor near you today to learn more about power surges and how to prevent them!

For over 30 years our electricians at Dahan Electric have been providing the metropolitan area with professional electrical Contractor services.