What Is a Power Surge?

Power surges are sudden spikes in electrical voltage that can damage your appliances, electronics, and electrical systems. While they often happen in an instant, their effects can be long-lasting and costly. But what is a power surge, and how can you protect your home from one? This blog dives into the causes, impacts, and solutions for keeping your home safe with whole home surge protection.

Understanding What a Power Surge Is

In simple terms, a power surge occurs when there’s an unexpected increase in voltage traveling through your electrical system. Homes are typically wired to handle a consistent voltage level, usually around 120 volts. A surge happens when the voltage exceeds that level, potentially damaging connected devices and systems.

What Causes a Power Surge?

Several factors can lead to a surge, ranging from natural phenomena to everyday household activities:

Lightning Strikes

Lightning is one of the most well-known causes of power surges. A strike near your home can send an overwhelming amount of voltage through your electrical lines, damaging anything connected to your system.

Electrical Overloads

Plugging too many devices into a single outlet or circuit can cause an overload, leading to a power surge. Overloading circuits forces your system to handle more electricity than it’s designed for.

Faulty Wiring

Damaged or outdated wiring can’t regulate electricity properly, increasing the likelihood of a surge.

Utility Company Issues

Problems like power outages, maintenance work, or grid switching by utility companies can also lead to surges.

High-Powered Appliances

Large appliances, like refrigerators or HVAC systems, can cause small, repetitive surges as they turn on and off. Over time, these minor surges can weaken your electrical devices.

Why Are Power Surges Dangerous?

A power surge may seem harmless because it happens so quickly, but its effects can be significant:

• Damage to Electronics and Appliances: Excess voltage can fry circuits in computers, televisions, and other devices, rendering them useless.
• Fire Hazards: Surges caused by faulty wiring or overloaded circuits can spark electrical fires.
• Shortened Lifespan of Appliances: Even minor surges can weaken internal components of your devices, causing them to wear out faster.
• Data Loss: For devices like computers or servers, a surge can corrupt or erase important data.

What Is Surge Protection?

Surge protection is a system designed to regulate and divert excess voltage away from your home’s devices and wiring. It acts as a shield, absorbing or redirecting sudden spikes in electricity before they can cause damage.

Types of Surge Protection

Plug-In Surge Protectors

These are commonly used for individual devices, such as computers or gaming consoles. While they provide basic protection, they don’t safeguard your entire home.

Whole Home Surge Protection

Installed at your electrical panel, whole home surge protection devices provide comprehensive coverage for your entire home. They shield all connected devices and appliances from damaging surges, offering peace of mind and long-term safety.

Why You Need Whole Home Surge Protection

While plug-in surge protectors are helpful, they have limitations. Here’s why investing in whole home surge protection is a smarter choice:

Comprehensive Coverage

A single surge protection device at your electrical panel protects your entire home, including hard-wired appliances like HVAC systems and refrigerators.

Cost Savings

Repairing or replacing appliances and electronics after a surge can be expensive. Investing in home surge protection minimizes these risks.

Protection Against Major Events

Unlike plug-in protectors, whole home systems are designed to handle large-scale events like lightning strikes or utility company surges.

Peace of Mind

Knowing your home and devices are protected reduces stress and worry during storms or power outages.

Signs You May Need Surge Protection

Not sure if your home needs surge protection? Look out for these signs:

• Frequent tripped breakers or blown fuses
• Flickering lights
• Burnt or scorched outlets
• Appliances or electronics failing unexpectedly

If any of these issues sound familiar, it’s time to consider whole home surge protection.

How to Prevent Power Surges

• Unplug Devices During Storms: Disconnecting electronics during a lightning storm can prevent damage.
• Limit Use of High-Powered Appliances: Avoid running multiple large appliances simultaneously on the same circuit.
• Inspect and Update Wiring: Old or faulty wiring is a common cause of surges. Ensure your home’s electrical system is up to date.
• Invest in Surge Protection: Whether you opt for plug-in devices or whole home surge protection, this is the most effective way to safeguard your home.

Why Choose NH Ross for Surge Protection?

At NH Ross, we understand the importance of protecting your home from electrical hazards. Our team specializes in installing whole home surge protection systems to keep your appliances, electronics, and family safe.

With decades of experience serving Long Island, we’re committed to providing reliable and professional service. We’ll assess your home’s electrical needs and recommend the best surge protection solutions for long-term safety and peace of mind.

Protect Your Home with Whole Home Surge Protection

A power surge may be brief, but its consequences can last a lifetime. Whether caused by lightning, utility issues, or overloading circuits, surges can lead to costly repairs and safety risks. Investing in whole home surge protection ensures your home and electronics are shielded from unexpected voltage spikes.

For reliable and professional home surge protection services on Long Island, contact NH Ross today. Let us help you safeguard your home with the best surge protection solutions available.