Older homes have an incredible amount of charm and nostalgia. While some of that charm stems from the old-world construction practices of ornate stonework and interesting woodworking, there are also negative aspects of living in a dated home, namely the electrical system. We bought our first older home a few years ago, and it has been interesting to see just how much of a problem the electrical system has been. We knew that we needed to update a large portion of the space, so we started going through and having sections replaced. This website is here to help other people to know when to work with electricians.
A sudden voltage spike in the circuit causes a power surge. Sometimes, this current overload damages appliances and electrical devices. Besides that, your home can experience minor unnoticeable surges that can lead to gradual damages if not addressed.
The primary culprit for power surges is lightning. Not only can it destroy appliances, but it can also cause a fire explosion. Sometimes, a power surge can result from downed power lines due to snowfall, or a falling tree.
Furthermore, bad wiring and poor installation of the electrical system can lead to a surge. Bad wiring usually manifests in buzzing sounds or flickering lights. An increase in power demand in your home also overloads the system and increases the chances of a power surge. Now, take a look at how you can safeguard your home against a power surge.
Install Surge Protectors for Your Electrical Devices
Valuable and pricey electrical devices such as laptops, televisions, and fridges require a surge protector. As mentioned earlier, your home experiences micro surges each day, which often go unnoticed. For that reason, a surge protector is essential as it will prevent small and big surges from getting into the appliances. That way, you will protect your priced appliances from damage.
Invest in a Whole-House Surge Protector
Typically, a device protector safeguards your appliances only and no other parts of the house. For that reason, investing in a whole-house surge protector might be necessary. This protector can stand against major power surges, such as those involving powerful lightning.
A whole-house surge protector usually works by redirecting excess power in the circuit to the ground. But since it is a little more intricate, you should hire a residential electrician to install it for you.
Disconnect Your Devices During a Heavy Storm and Avoid Outlet Overload
Another protective measure against surges is ensuring that all your devices are disconnected during stormy weather. It would be best if you did this regardless of having a surge protector as it minimizes the effects of a power surge even further.
Also, avoid overloading an outlet as doing this can overwork the specific circuit. In turn, the lines may overheat, resulting in fluctuations in voltage, thus destroying the connected devices.
Power surges usually occur unexpectedly and can lead to massive losses. Therefore, as a responsible homeowner, you should ensure that your home is safe from the effects of a surge. Consult with a reputable residential electrician to find the best solution against surges.