Electronic devices are indispensable features in every household. However, they are also highly susceptible to power surges which could bring you significant losses due to their initial high costs.

A power surge may also trigger fire which could cause massive property damage and even injuries.

This article will give an overview of a power surge, equipping you with the information you require to protect yourself.

What is a Power Surge?

A power surge occurs when electricity flow in your system is interrupted or when a device sends power back instead of drawing it out.

Power surges carry risks of ruining your appliances and even causing a fire.

Causes of Power Surges

Protecting yourself against the consequences of a power surge is much better than waiting until the damage is done. But it is equally important to know the causes of a power surge to address the issues appropriately. Here are the causes

System overload- caused by connecting too many devices or an appliance that exceeds the maximum voltage that the circuit can handle

• Defective or outdated wiring

• Degraded circuit breakers

• Substandard devices

• Electricity outages

• Lightning strikes

• Damaged transformers

• Technical problems at the power company

• Power line interruptions by tree branches

Signs of Power Surges

Power surges occur in microseconds and can be challenging to detect. Here are some clues to help you identify a recent power surge.

• A smell of burning plastic originating from sockets, extension plugs, or power cords

• Charred outlets and plugs

• Sudden failing of devices

• Dimming or flickering of lights

• Abrupt resetting of devices

• Tripped circuit breaker

Protection and Prevention of Power Surges

You can prevent power surges by limiting some of the contributing factors within your home. However, sometimes they may happen when you forget to implement various measures. Power surges triggered by external factors are unpreventable.

The following initiatives will help you cushion yourself against damage/losses.

• Unplug devices that you’re not using. This is a sure way of safeguarding your appliances’ integrity since power surges are unpredictable

• Avoid connecting more than one high-powered appliance on one circuit or plugging too many small devices into it to prevent overload

• Use high-quality devices since they are designed with some degree of electric resistance

• Hire professional electricians to inspect, diagnose and repair or update your wiring to curb surge occurrences

• Instal a lightning rod if you experience recurrent lightning strikes

• Invest in power surge protection. Surges beyond your control may occur, but surge protection will keep your appliances safe all the time. You can have device surge and home protection to shield yourself against power surges.

Conclusion

Power surges occur unexpectedly. Knowing the causes of power surges can help you to stay protected. The consequences can vary from mild to intensive damage. Minor power surges are sure to degrade your device slowly without your knowledge.

Unplugging your devices after use will prevent them from being damaged, but unfortunately, a surge could happen when you’re using them. You may also forget to disconnect them when leaving the house. Implementing other measures will keep off surges, but external causes may come into play, and you can’t do anything about them.

The best way to protect yourself against a power surge is by installing an entire home surge protection. You can use surge protectors on expensive appliances if you can’t afford full home protection.