Trystan Casey
Electrical surges are an infrequent occurrence, but they can be costly. They are caused by a sudden increase in voltage, which can be the result of an interruption in the flow of electricity, an increased delivery of power, or lightning striking power lines. Power surges can cause significant damage to electrical appliances and devices, and in some cases, they may even start a fire. To prevent damage from power surges, it is recommended to invest in surge protection, such as power strips or whole-house protectors. While power surges are rare, they can occur multiple times a day, especially in older homes with inadequate wiring or when there are overloaded circuits. Campgrounds and RV parks are also prone to electrical surges, which can be a problem for motorized appliances.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often electrical surges happen | Rare but can happen multiple times a day |
| How long they last | Typically brief, lasting just milliseconds |
| How they happen | Interruption in the flow of electricity followed by a short; increased delivery of power interrupted when electricity is sent back into the system; a sudden increase in voltage |
| Causes | Electrical overload, faulty wiring, lightning strikes, restoration of power after an outage |
| Effects | Data loss in computers, damage or disable electronics and appliances, "frying" circuits, degrading internal circuitry, fire hazard |
| Protection | Surge protectors, dedicated circuits for large appliances, unplugging devices |
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What You'll Learn
Electrical overloads
An electrical overload occurs when too much current passes through electric wires. This happens when too much power is drawn from a single circuit, such as when multiple power-hungry devices are plugged into the same socket. The wires heat up and can melt, posing a fire risk. To prevent electrical overloads, it is important to avoid plugging several high-power devices into the same line or socket.
Circuit breakers are safety devices located at the start of every electric line that can detect an abnormally intense current flow and cut the current to prevent overheating and potential fires. Different circuits have different load ratings, with thicker wires allowing for more intense currents. To prevent overloads, it is helpful to understand the layout of your home's circuits and calculate the safe load rating of each circuit. This will enable you to manage your electricity usage effectively and avoid overloading a single circuit.
Signs of an electrical circuit overload include a breaker tripping and shutting off the power, dimming lights, buzzing outlets or switches, warm outlet or switch covers, and burning odours from outlets or switches. If you notice any of these issues, it is important to address them promptly to prevent potential hazards.
To prevent electrical overloads, it is recommended to reinforce the line by using wires with a larger diameter if multiple devices need to be connected to the same electric line. Additionally, avoid using extension cords excessively and refrain from plugging too many devices into the same circuit. By following these precautions, you can help ensure the safe and efficient use of electricity in your home or workplace.
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Faulty wiring
To prevent power surges caused by faulty wiring, it is important to ensure that your wiring is up to code and that your devices are not overloading circuits. Large appliances should not share the same socket with other appliances. You can also invest in surge protectors for individual devices or opt for whole-home surge protection, which will safeguard all your appliances. While individual protectors are useful, whole-home systems offer broader protection. Installing a whole-home surge protector typically requires a professional electrician.
In addition to faulty wiring, power surges can also be caused by lightning strikes, power outages, overloaded circuits, electrical overload, and the restoration of power after a blackout. Power surges can damage electrical appliances and devices, and in rare cases, they can lead to electrical fires. It is important to take measures to protect your home and electrical equipment from damage caused by power surges.
One way to protect against power surges is to unplug sensitive electronics and appliances during severe weather and power outages. You can also install special electrical outlets that offer surge protection, especially in locations where there isn't room for a plug-in surge protector. Point-of-use surge protection devices (SPDs), combined with a good grounding system, can protect your electronic and electrical appliances from most electrical surges by diverting the surge to the ground.
While it may not always be possible to prevent a power surge, recognizing the signs of an impending voltage spike can help you act quickly to minimize potential damage. Some indications of a power surge include devices unexpectedly shutting off, pungent smells surrounding appliances, and lights flashing on digital clocks.
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Lightning strikes
In addition to lightning strikes, power surges can also be caused by internal household factors, such as the operation of large appliances like air conditioners, refrigerators, and motors. These appliances can cause power surges when they turn on or off, drawing a significant amount of power. External factors such as problems with utility company equipment, faulty wiring, and downed power lines can also contribute to power surges.
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Power restoration
Power surges are an unexpected increase in voltage, which can wreak havoc on your electronics. They can destroy circuit boards, cause computer crashes, and even lead to fires. Power surges can be caused by lightning strikes, electrical overloads, faulty wiring, and the restoration of power after a power outage or blackout. When power is restored after an outage, there is a sudden jump in current, which can cause a power surge and potentially damage any plugged-in appliances and devices that do not have surge protectors.
To restore power safely after an outage, there are several steps you can take to protect your electronics and appliances:
- Unplug all non-essential devices and electronics when there is an outage. Power may return with momentary surges or spikes that can cause damage.
- If you are using a generator, keep it dry and protected from rain or flooding. Always use it outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows.
- When using a generator, connect it to appliances with heavy-duty extension cords. Be sure to let the generator cool before refueling, as fuel spilled on hot engine parts can ignite.
- Reset your large appliances first, checking each one individually.
- Bring in a professional electrician, especially if you have experienced a long power outage.
- If you have experienced a power surge, check your appliances to ensure they are functioning correctly and inspect all devices for signs of damage. Power surges can cause overheating and even fires, so it is important to assess the impact thoroughly.
Power surges can be disruptive and cause damage to electronic devices and appliances. By taking the necessary precautions and following the steps outlined above, you can help protect your electronics and safely restore power after an outage.
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External factors
Power surges can occur due to a variety of external factors, which can be natural or human-related. One of the most commonly cited external causes of power surges is lightning striking power lines or transformers. This can lead to a massive spike in voltage, causing a significant surge of power into connected devices and electrical systems. Lightning strikes are considered a rare occurrence but can cause severe damage when they happen.
Another external factor is the power grid or electrical supply system. Changes or disruptions in the power grid can cause power surges, especially when electricity is restored after an outage or blackout. This restoration of power can result in a sudden jump in current, leading to a power surge that may damage devices without proper surge protection. Campgrounds, for instance, are known to experience electrical surges due to low AC voltage, which can be problematic for motorized appliances.
In some cases, external power surges can be caused by physical objects or animals interfering with power lines. For instance, a tree limb touching a power line or a small animal getting into a transformer can lead to an external power surge. Additionally, outdated electrical systems or infrastructure failures can contribute to power surges. Homes built before the 1980s, for example, may have inadequate wiring that struggles to handle modern appliances' power demands.
It is worth noting that while external factors play a role in power surges, internal factors within homes, such as overloaded circuits and faulty wiring, are also significant contributors to power surges and should not be overlooked.
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Frequently asked questions
Power surges are rare but they can be extremely damaging to electrical devices and appliances. They can be caused by lightning strikes, faulty wiring, electrical overload, or the restoration of power after an outage.
Signs of a power surge include devices unexpectedly shutting off, a pungent smell surrounding an appliance, or lights flashing on digital clocks.
You can invest in whole-house surge protection or use surge protectors (also called surge suppressors, surge diverters, or spike suppressors) to safeguard electrical equipment from voltage surges.
