3 Primary Causes of Power Surges
Power surges occur when the voltage running through your home’s electrical system unexpectedly spikes to a level beyond what your electronic appliances are designed to handle. Depending on the strength of the surge, this could mean minor damage or complete destruction of your electronics.
Don’t Let a Power Surge Cost You
Knowing what causes a power surge is key in helping prevent one from occurring. There are 3 primary causes of power surges:
- While it is rare, lightning’s incredibly high voltage levels can cause an extremely destructive surge if it strikes lines leading to your home.
- Downed power lines, grid switches and equipment breakdowns are just a few possible causes of surges that can originate from the operations of your utility provider.
- When large appliances like conditioners turn on,their increased need for electricity can draw a surge of energy through your home’s electrical system.
Use These Tips Below to Help Protect Against a Power Surge:
- Purchase a surge protector. When shopping for a surge protector, keep the following tips in mind:
- Look for the UL logo representing Under writers Laboratories. This verifies that the product has been tested for performance and safety.
- Check the device’s clamping voltage. This is the level at which it will begin to block the surge meaning lower is better.
- Power lines are not the only route surges have around your home. Quality surge protectors will include more than just this type of jack.
A service entrance surge protection device can provide protection for your incoming electrical, cable TV and telephone lines. The device is installed in your main electrical panel or near your electric meter to help stop outside surges from entering your home. While these systems do not eliminate the need for point-of-use surge protectors, they can successfully knock larger surges down to more easily manageable levels.