Power surges are one of the most common yet misunderstood electrical issues in homes. These sudden spikes in voltage can damage electronics, disrupt appliances, and pose serious safety risks. Understanding what causes power surges and how to protect your home from them is essential for safeguarding your property and maintaining a reliable electrical system.

At Thomas Edison Electric, we specialize in identifying and mitigating electrical issues, including power surges, for homeowners across Pennsylvania. Here’s a detailed guide on the causes of power surges and practical steps you can take to prevent damage.

What Is a Power Surge?

A power surge occurs when there is a sudden, brief spike in electrical voltage. The standard voltage in most homes is 120 volts, but during a surge, this can increase significantly, even reaching thousands of volts in extreme cases. These voltage spikes can overwhelm your electrical system, damaging sensitive devices and appliances.

Common Causes of Power Surges

Power surges can originate from various sources, both inside and outside your home. Here are the most frequent causes:

1. Lightning Strikes

Lightning is one of the most dramatic and destructive causes of power surges. When lightning strikes near a power line or your home, the surge can send a massive amount of voltage through your electrical system. While lightning strikes are relatively rare, their impact can be catastrophic, damaging multiple appliances and electronics simultaneously.

2. Overloaded Circuits and Appliances

Plugging too many devices into a single circuit or using high-powered appliances can cause internal surges. For instance, when an air conditioner or refrigerator cycles on, it can create a temporary voltage spike that affects other devices on the same circuit.

3. Faulty or Aging Wiring

Old or damaged wiring can lead to inconsistent voltage regulation, increasing the risk of surges. Homes with outdated electrical systems are particularly vulnerable to surges caused by faulty connections or deteriorating insulation.

4. Power Grid Switching

Utility companies occasionally switch between power grids to manage electricity distribution. These transitions can create voltage fluctuations, leading to surges that may affect your home.

5. Downed Power Lines

Storms, accidents, or tree branches can bring down power lines, disrupting the flow of electricity and causing surges as power is restored.

6. Sudden Power Restorations

When power is restored after an outage, a surge can occur as electricity rushes back into your home. This sudden influx can overwhelm unprotected systems and devices.

The Risks of Power Surges

Even small, frequent power surges can have cumulative effects on your home’s electronics and appliances, shortening their lifespan. Larger surges, however, can cause immediate and irreversible damage. Common risks include:

• Device Damage: Sensitive electronics like computers, televisions, and gaming consoles are particularly susceptible to surge damage.

• Appliance Malfunctions: Refrigerators, washers, dryers, and HVAC systems can suffer costly damage.

• Electrical Fires: In extreme cases, power surges can cause overheating, leading to fires in wiring or devices.

How to Protect Your Home from Power Surges

While it’s impossible to prevent power surges entirely, you can take steps to minimize their impact and protect your home.

1. Install Whole-House Surge Protectors

A whole-house surge protector safeguards your electrical system by absorbing excess voltage before it can damage your devices. These protectors are installed at your electrical panel and provide the first line of defense against external surges, such as those caused by lightning or grid switching.

2. Use Point-of-Use Surge Protectors

Power strips with built-in surge protection are an excellent way to protect individual devices like computers, televisions, and gaming systems. Be sure to choose high-quality surge protectors with a sufficient joule rating for your needs.

3. Upgrade Your Electrical System

Older homes with outdated wiring are more susceptible to power surges. Upgrading your electrical panel and wiring can reduce risks and ensure your system can handle modern power demands.

4. Unplug Devices During Storms

If you’re expecting a thunderstorm, unplug sensitive electronics and appliances to protect them from lightning-induced surges. This simple step can save you from costly replacements.

5. Limit Overloaded Circuits

Avoid overloading outlets and circuits with too many devices. Spread out appliances across different circuits and use dedicated circuits for high-powered devices like refrigerators and HVAC units.

6. Regular Electrical Inspections

Routine inspections by a licensed electrician can identify potential surge risks, such as faulty wiring or outdated systems. Addressing these issues proactively helps prevent future problems.

7. Consider Backup Power Solutions

Installing an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for sensitive electronics can provide temporary power during an outage, protecting devices from surges caused by sudden restorations.

Protecting Your Home from Power Surges

Understanding what causes power surges is the first step in protecting your home and electronics. From lightning strikes to overloaded circuits, surges can come from a variety of sources, but with the right precautions, you can minimize the risks.

At Thomas Edison Electric, we’re committed to helping Pennsylvania homeowners keep their electrical systems safe and reliable. Whether you need a whole-house surge protector, an electrical panel upgrade, or expert advice, our licensed electricians are here to help. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and ensure your home is protected against power surges!