Have your lights flickered out of nowhere, or have you noticed your electronics suddenly acting up? These could be signs that your home has experienced a power surge. As a local, family-owned business, Clover Electric provides the insights and protection you need to keep your home safe and running smoothly before, during, and after a power surge.
Here, we’ll explain power surges and their causes so you can protect your home.
What Is a Power Surge?
A power surge is a sudden spike in voltage that travels through your home’s electrical system. These voltage spikes are brief but powerful, often delivering more electricity than your devices or appliances can safely handle. While some surges are small and go unnoticed, others can cause significant damage to your electronics.
Causes of Power Surges
Power surges can come from both inside and outside your home. The most common causes of power surges in a home are:
- Lightning strikes: Although rare, when lightning strikes near your home, it can send an overwhelming surge of electricity through your electrical system.
- Electrical overloads: An overloaded circuit can draw excess power and cause a power surge. This can happen by having too many devices plugged into one circuit or when high-power devices like refrigerators and air conditioners cycle on and off.
- Faulty wiring: Old or damaged wiring can cause inconsistent electrical flow, leading to sudden spikes in voltage.
- Power outages: The return of power after an outage can sometimes cause a spike in current that results in a power surge.
- Utility company issues: Rarely, power grid switches or problems at your utility company can send surges through your home’s electrical system.
Common Signs of a Power Surge
Are you unsure if a power surge has affected your home? Here are the most common signs of a power surge:
- Tripped circuit breakers
- Flickering or dimming lights
- Burning odors
- Electronic devices that won’t turn on
- Electronic devices acting strangely
The Dangers of Power Surges
Power surges can lead to serious problems in your home, from inconvenience and property damage to safety issues. Power surges can also cause:
- Damage to electronics: Power surges can permanently damage valuable electronics, leading to costly repairs or replacements.
- Fire hazards: Severe surges can cause overheating or sparking, which could start a fire.
- Data loss: If you’re working on a computer during a surge, you could lose important data or files.
- Appliance wear and tear: Repeated small surges can shorten the lifespan of your appliances over time.
How to Protect Your Home from Power Surges
The good news is that there are several steps you can take to protect your home from power surges, including:
- Installing whole-house surge protection: These devices protect your entire home by blocking excess voltage before it reaches your outlets.
- Using surge protectors: Plug sensitive electronics into surge protectors to shield them from sudden voltage spikes.
- Scheduling regular electrical inspections: Routine inspections can identify faulty wiring or other potential issues that could lead to power surges.
- Unplugging devices during storms: Disconnecting sensitive or expensive electronics during severe weather can prevent damage from lightning-induced surges.
What to Do After a Power Surge
If your home experiences a power surge, it’s essential to assess the situation quickly. First, check your electronics and appliances for any signs of damage. Call a licensed electrician to inspect your system if you’re dealing with flickering lights or devices that won’t turn on.
If you notice smoke, burning smells, or smells like hot metal or melting plastic, don’t wait — get everyone out of the house and call your local fire department. Once your home has been deemed safe, contact the electricians at Clover Electric to inspect and repair your system.
Clover Electric Can Protect Your Home from Power Surges
Power surges can happen at any time and may cause significant damage. Taking steps like whole-house surge protection, regular inspections, or surge protectors for your devices can save you from expensive repairs later. At Clover Electric, we’ve protected homes in Cleveland and Chagrin Falls for over 35 years.
We offer expert solutions, upfront pricing, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Our skilled electricians can evaluate the situation, repair any damage, and help you take steps to prevent future surges.
Call Clover Electric today or request an appointment online.
