Trystan Casey
Household appliances are susceptible to electrical damage from power outages, voltage fluctuations, and power surges. Power surges are a leading cause of electrical-related device damage, as any connected device is at risk of degradation or destruction. To protect household appliances from electrical damage, preventative measures such as installing cascaded surge suppressors, whole-house surge protectors, and GFCI outlets can be taken. Additionally, unplugging appliances during severe storms and regularly checking one's electrical panel can help mitigate the risk of electrical damage.
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What You'll Learn
Use a surge protector
Power surges can be extremely damaging to household appliances and electronics, causing havoc and expense for homeowners. While some power surges cannot be prevented, there are several ways to protect your appliances. One of the most effective ways to do this is to use a surge protector.
Surge protectors are simple and inexpensive devices that safeguard the wiring in your appliances and electronics by preventing or absorbing unwanted voltage spikes. They can also redirect excess voltage, protecting your appliances from damage. Surge protectors are available as power strips or bars, which can be plugged directly into electrical outlets, with your devices plugged into them. These are particularly useful during power outages, as they can provide backup power to connected appliances. However, it is important to note that not all power strips are equipped with surge protection, so be sure to check before purchasing.
When selecting a surge protector, there are several factors to consider to ensure optimal protection. Firstly, assess the joule rating, as a higher rating indicates a greater capacity to absorb larger surges. Secondly, look for a protector with multiple outlets offering varying levels of protection, to accommodate different devices' needs.
While surge protectors are a great way to protect individual devices, for whole-house protection, you may want to consider installing a whole-house surge protection system. These heavy-duty systems protect your entire home from power surges, by diverting lightning bursts into the ground, where they dissipate harmlessly.
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Unplug appliances when not in use
Unplugging appliances when they are not in use is a simple yet effective way to protect them from electrical damage. Power surges are a common cause of electrical damage, and they can occur when a device suddenly stops using power, causing an increase in voltage that may be directed to another appliance and cause damage. By unplugging appliances when they are not in use, you can reduce the risk of damage from power surges. This is especially important during severe electrical storms, which increase the risk of power surges entering your home's wiring.
Unplugging appliances can also help to conserve energy and reduce your energy costs. Additionally, it can help to extend the lifespan of your appliances by reducing the wear and tear on them. This is particularly important for sensitive electronics such as computers and refrigerators, which can be vulnerable to power surges.
It is also important to be mindful of other electrical safety practices when unplugging appliances. Always unplug appliances with dry hands to prevent electric shocks. If an appliance is not being used for an extended period, it is a good idea to store it in a safe place, away from water and other potential hazards. Regularly inspect your appliances for any signs of damage or wear and ensure that they are compatible with the voltage in your home.
While unplugging appliances is a simple and effective way to protect them from electrical damage, it is not a foolproof solution. Power surges can still occur even when appliances are unplugged, so it is important to consider other protection measures as well. Surge protectors, for example, can absorb power surges and prevent damaging currents from reaching your appliances. Whole-house surge protectors can provide additional protection by keeping power surges from reaching your home's internal wiring.
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Regularly inspect for hardware issues
Regular maintenance and inspections are key to ensuring electrical safety and preventing accidents in your home. Here are some important steps to take:
Consult a Professional
While it may be tempting to attempt electrical repairs or installations yourself, it is always best to consult a licensed electrician or electrical system installation specialist. They have the necessary skills and knowledge to keep your home safe and ensure compliance with electrical codes. Regularly scheduling maintenance checks can help identify and address any potential issues before they become bigger problems.
Inspect Cords and Plugs
Frequently check the cords and plugs of your appliances for any signs of wear, fraying, or damage. Look for exposed wires or loose connections. If you notice any issues, replace the appliance or the cord, depending on the severity of the problem. Remember to always unplug the appliance from the plug, not the cord, to prevent stress on the wires.
Properly Insert Plugs
Ensure that plugs are fully inserted into outlets to prevent partial connections, which can lead to overheating and potential fire hazards. Additionally, avoid forcing a 3-prong cord into a 2-slot outlet, and consider installing tamper-resistant electrical outlets if you have young children.
Avoid Overloading Outlets and Power Strips
Do not plug too many devices into a single outlet or power strip, as this can lead to overheating and fire hazards. Use power strips with internal overload protection, and be mindful of the load capacity when using extension cords. Avoid placing cords under rugs or carpets, where they can be damaged or pinched.
Keep Appliances Dry
Water and electricity don't mix. Always keep electrical appliances and cords dry and away from water sources such as sinks, showers, and aquariums. This helps prevent damage to appliances and reduces the risk of personal injury and electrocution.
By regularly inspecting your appliances and following these safety guidelines, you can enhance the protection of your electrical appliances and maintain a safe environment for your household.
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Ensure proper wiring and grounding
Power surges are a common occurrence in most homes, and while they may not always cause noticeable damage, they can degrade the performance and lifespan of appliances and electronic devices over time. To protect your household appliances from electrical surges, it is crucial to ensure proper wiring and grounding. Here are some detailed steps to achieve this:
Upgrade Inadequate Wiring
If you notice frequent blown fuses, flickering or dimming lights, particularly when a large appliance is turned on, it indicates inadequate wiring. Hire a licensed electrician to diagnose and upgrade your home's electrical system. They can help identify issues such as old cloth-wrapped wires, brittle insulation, or wires that cannot handle modern appliances' demands.
Fix Overloaded Circuits
Kitchen appliances are often the culprits of overloaded circuits. Work with an electrician to set up dedicated circuits for each large appliance, limiting the amount of electricity supplied to one outlet and reducing the risk of electrical surges.
Ground Your Outlets
Older homes may have ungrounded outlets, which increase the risk of surges and pose safety hazards. Grounding your outlets should be a priority upgrade.
Install Whole-House Surge Protection
Consider investing in a whole-house surge protector, which connects to your home's electrical service panel and prevents power surges from reaching your internal wiring. These heavy-duty systems offer better protection than individual surge protectors for each device.
Utilize Power Strips with Built-in Surge Protection
Surge protectors absorb or redirect excess voltage, preventing it from reaching your appliances. Ensure that your power strips have built-in surge protectors, and plug your appliances into these strips rather than directly into wall outlets.
By following these steps, you can ensure proper wiring and grounding, effectively protecting your household appliances from electrical surges and their potential damage.
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Keep water and combustible items away
Water and combustible items are a dangerous combination when it comes to electricity. To protect your household appliances and yourself from electrical damage or accidents, it is crucial to keep water and combustible items away from electrical sources and appliances. Here are some detailed guidelines to achieve this:
Keep Appliances Away from Water
Unless they are designed to be used near water, such as specific kitchen or bathroom appliances, it is imperative to keep electrical appliances away from water sources. This includes sinks, bathtubs, and other water bodies or containers. Ensure that appliances are not placed near or directly above water sources, reducing the risk of accidental water contact.
Dry Hands for Electrical Operations
Always operate electrical appliances with dry hands. This is a fundamental safety measure to prevent electric shocks and potential accidents. By ensuring your hands are dry before plugging in or operating any electrical device, you significantly reduce the risk of electrical hazards.
Maintain Distance from Flammable Materials
Certain household appliances, such as toasters, space heaters, and ovens, can generate significant heat and pose a fire risk. It is crucial to keep these appliances away from flammable materials, such as curtains, fabrics, or combustible chemicals. Maintain a safe distance, as specified by the manufacturer, to prevent accidental fires or explosions.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
Regular cleaning and maintenance of appliances are essential to removing any combustible substances that may have accumulated. Crumbs, dust, and residue can build up over time and, when combined with electrical heat, pose a fire hazard. Regularly clean appliances like toasters, ovens, and dryers to mitigate this risk.
Proper Ventilation and Heat Dissipation
Appliances that generate heat, such as refrigerators, computers, and televisions, require proper ventilation to prevent overheating. Ensure these appliances have adequate space around them for airflow and heat dissipation. Overheating can not only damage the appliance but also increase the risk of fire, especially if combustible materials are nearby.
By diligently following these guidelines, you can effectively keep water and combustible items away from electrical sources and appliances, enhancing the safety of your household and prolonging the lifespan of your electrical equipment.
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Frequently asked questions
A power surge is a temporary increase in the current or voltage of an electrical circuit. This can damage electronic devices by causing an increase in voltage that may be directed to another appliance. Sources within homes and offices cause 60-80% of power surges.
You may notice blinking clocks on your appliances, or surge protectors/power strips that need to be reset. There may also be a burned smell coming from your appliances.
You can use a surge protector, which absorbs power surges and prevents current from reaching appliances. Plug your appliances into GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets, which monitor current flow and may trip during a power surge. Unplug appliances during storms and plug them into a whole-house surge protector.
Ensure your indoor installation is checked regularly. Use power strips with internal overload protection and replace worn, old or damaged extension cords. Do not overload outlets and avoid putting cords under carpets or rugs.
Use an uninterruptable power supply (UPS) to protect computers and level off voltage spikes. Make sure your appliances can take voltage fluctuations – this should be specified in the CE marking.
