The Appliances Most at Risk Without Surge Protection
If you’re in Sarasota, Florida, you’re probably very familiar with sudden downpours, especially over the hot and humid summers. You may have even experienced your lights flickering or your electricity suddenly cutting off during one or more of these storms, too. What many homeowners don’t realize, though, is how dangerous these storms can be for your appliances. Here’s a closer look at what happens during a power surge and how you can safeguard your most prized possessions.
What Exactly Is a Power Surge?
A power surge is also called a voltage spike, and it occurs when a sudden increase of voltage flows through your circuits. While small power surges can happen frequently, it’s the larger ones from lightning storms that are most concerning.
Causes
Internal small power surges can happen every day, without you noticing. You may have plugged too many high-powered devices into a power strip, for instance, or you may have faulty wiring. Other causes of internal power surges are a large appliance cycling on and off, like your fridge, or power being restored after an outage.
External power surges are rarer but can do more damage. One of the most common causes of an external power surge is a lightning strike. Power grid issues, like a faulty transformer, can also send sudden surges through your electricity lines. And downed power lines can disrupt your electricity and cause a surge when power is restored.
How Do Power Surges Damage Devices?
When a sudden increase in voltage flows through your circuits, it can fry or overheat your devices, resulting in either immediate failure or a slow degradation of parts. Electrical arcing may also occur. This is when electricity arcs (or jumps) between components in your appliance, damaging them.
Protecting Your Appliances With a Surge Protector
While a power surge sounds scary, there are ways you can protect your equipment. A surge protector protects your electronics and devices by diverting any excess electricity to the ground. You can have a surge protector between your device and the wall outlet, so that it clamps down on any voltage higher than 120V. Or, you can have a whole-house surge protector, which protects your entire home.
Point-Of-Use Surge Protector
Point-of-use (POU) protectors are DIY and inexpensive setups that protect specific devices, like your cell phone or laptop. These plug into your individual outlet and protect your device from small surges.
Whole-House Surge Protector
A whole-house surge protector protects your entire house and all the devices plugged in. Electricians install it at the main electrical panel so that it can handle external power surges from lightning strikes, downed power lines, or power grid issues. If you need a whole-house surge protector, our electricians at Sarasota Mister Sparky can install one.
What Appliances Are Most at Risk?
Power surges can damage pretty much all your appliances or devices. However, some are more sensitive than others. Here is a list of devices and electronics that are most at risk.
- Computers and Laptops: Sensitive components inside computers, like the motherboard and the hard drive, are easily fried during a power surge.
- TVs: The internal circuitry in TVs is sensitive and can easily be affected by a spike in voltage.
- Gaming Consoles: Xboxs and PlayStations that have internal boards are highly sensitive to a power surge.
- Smart Devices: Devices like smart thermostats, security cameras, and Wi-Fi routers tend to have complicated and sensitive processors, which makes them susceptible to frying.
- Kitchen Appliances: Refrigerators, ovens, air fryers, and microwaves are also sensitive to surges.
- HVAC Systems: Furnaces, HVAC systems, ACs, and heat pumps are especially susceptible to damage from power surges.
- Charging Devices: A power surge can travel through a charging device and fry any device attached to it, like a digital camera or mobile phone.
Caring for These Appliances
There are a variety of ways you can care for your equipment and electronics so they’re not damaged during external or internal power surges.
- Unplug Them During Storms: Preventive measures are always best, so unplug your electronics, like your computer and TV, during a storm or power outage.
- Avoid Power Strips: Try to ensure your devices and electronics have their own dedicated outlet.
- Maintain POU Protectors: Make sure your point-of-use protectors are well-maintained. Inspect them frequently, and replace them every five years.
- Install a Whole-House Protector: Contact our electricians at Sarasota Mister Sparky to professionally install a whole-house protector at your main electrical panel.
The Benefits of Having Whole-House Surge Protection
Installing a whole-house surge protector is costlier than the POU surge protectors, but the long-term advantages are plenty. Here is a breakdown of some benefits you’ll experience.
- Protects Everything: A whole-house surge protector protects all your electronics and devices at the same time by stopping power surges at the main panel before they ever enter your home.
- Extends the Lifespan: Remember that even small internal power surges can cause damage. These minor damages degrade components and contribute to wear and tear. By protecting these power surges from happening, you’ll be extending the lifespan of all your equipment.
- Ensures Safety: Power surges often result in overheating, which can cause a fire. By preventing overheating, whole-house surge protectors can help prevent fires.
- Provides Peace of Mind: Want to avoid panicking during a lightning storm? If you’re away from home and can’t unplug your devices, you’ll have peace of mind that your whole-house surge protector is keeping them safe.
Our Sarasota Mister Sparky Electricians
When you call our team, we’ll inspect your overall electrical setup, including your main panel. In order to install the surge protector, we’ll then shut off the power and install the protector near the main electrical panel. However, because of the high-voltage risks and the precision involved, it’s important that licensed electricians perform the installation. A licensed team can also ensure you comply with local codes.
Worried what the next storm could do to your appliances? Don’t put up with any malarky. Call Mister Sparky. We’ll be able to install a surge protector promptly so your house is safe and secure!
