The circuits are designed to handle specific voltage and when the voltage in an electrical circuit spikes to a higher level than the circuit is capable of is known as a power surge, which can be very hazardous.  In the United States, the main power uses 120v AC (alternating current).  In a sine wave pattern is how the electricity moves from the alternating current.  As the 120volt label is actually an average, the waves crest at 169 volts.  With the assumption that the power from a wall outlet won’t exceed 170 volts is the basis from which many older appliances safely perform. When a surge of power exceeding the design goes through the system, the miniature wires and contacts in computers and televisions overheat.   The large-scale components, such as wall outlets that cannot handle the surge, due to the surge of electricity, will exceed what the wires can carry.  Fires can ignite and appliances can short circuit when the surge causes arcs to nearby metal surfaces. Today, we at Simon Electric, LLC would like to share the common sources of power surges and how you can protect your home. 

Lightning Can Cause a Power Surge in Your Home

Electrical storms are destructive and a common cause to power surges.   Lightening are electrical strikes that easily surge through the power grid is designed to move electricity as efficiently as possible.   Glass insulators and inch thick wires of an electrical substation can usually absorb an errant lightning bolt.   However, the appliances are impacted.  In the event a lightning bolt strikes the power lines near your home, millions of volts will temporarily surge through lines that are only designed to carry 120 volts.  When this happens, severe damage inflicts unprotected circuits.

Power Outages Can Cause a Voltage Surge

With no warning, power can go out, which can be dangerous, but when the power is restored is when the damage usually occurs.   Whether it is due from an emergency generator activating or a backup substation, when the power is returned a jolt goes through before the sine wave evens out again.  Electrical equipment, especially fragile devices, are all at risk.  

Power Tools Can Cause a Voltage Surge

Heavy shop tools, such as table saws, and other heavy equipment can temporary power outage should they trip a circuit breaker. 

Air Conditioner Causing Power Surge 

When the air conditioner blower flips on, you may likely notice that for a second, the lights dim, this is a power surge.  A voltage drop happens from a sudden demand for power following a surge when the system normalizes. 

Protection from Power Surges

Unplug devices and appliances when not in use – A device that is not plugged into the main power cannot experience a power surge.    The electronics in your home that are not used often should be left unplugged.  Exposure to the power surges is prevented.  

Surge protectors. To protect devices, power strips or outlet covers with built-in surge protection should be implemented.   Though it can be expensive and a bit of an eyesore, adding the surge protectors to every outlet can help, however, at the minimum, they should be used to protect the heavy appliances, TV, and computers.  

Electrical Wiring Services in Delray Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter & Boca Raton & Palm Beach County Florida

There are other solutions to protect from power surges such as upgrading old appliances, and whole home sure protection for example.  When you need professional assistance as well as any other electrical services, contact the experts of Simon Electric and let us assist you.