Summer is synonymous with warm weather, vacations, and unfortunately, powerful thunderstorms. These storms can be spectacular to watch, but they also bring a hidden danger to your home: electrical surges. It’s crucial to prevent summer electrical surges to protect your home and its valuable electronics. This blog will explore why surge prevention is essential during the summer storm season and how you can effectively shield your home from these unpredictable threats.
What Are Electrical Surges?
Electrical surges, often referred to as power surges, are sudden and unexpected spikes in electrical voltage. These spikes can damage or even destroy electrical appliances and electronics in your home. They typically last only a few microseconds, but their effects can be devastating, leading to costly repairs or replacements.
Why Are Electrical Surges More Common in Summer?
Summer storms are notorious for causing electrical surges for several reasons:
- Lightning Strikes:
- Lightning can cause massive surges, sometimes with thousands of volts. A single lightning strike can travel through power lines, phone lines, and even your home’s electrical wiring, leading to significant damage.
- Power Outages and Restorations:
- When power is disrupted and then restored, it often causes a surge. The sudden change in voltage can overwhelm your electrical system, harming sensitive electronics.
- Increased Electrical Demand:
- Summer heat often leads to a higher usage of air conditioners and other cooling appliances, which can put a strain on the electrical grid. This strain can increase the likelihood of power surges.
Consequences of Electrical Surges
Failing to prevent summer electrical surges can lead to several serious consequences:
- Damage to Electronics:
- Surges can fry circuit boards, rendering your devices useless. This includes everything from your television and refrigerator to computers and gaming consoles.
- Fire Hazards:
- Severe surges can cause electrical fires, putting your home and family at risk.
- Increased Costs:
- Repairing or replacing damaged appliances can be costly. Insurance may cover some damages, but often the deductible and the increase in premiums make it a significant financial burden.
How to Prevent Summer Electrical Surges
To protect your home from the damaging effects of electrical surges, here are some effective prevention strategies:
1. Install Whole-House Surge Protectors
Whole-house surge protectors are your first line of defense. These devices are installed at your electrical panel and are designed to block or divert surge currents away from your home’s electrical system. This helps in mitigating the damage caused by surges due to lightning strikes or power outages.
2. Use Point-of-Use Surge Protectors
In addition to whole-house protection, point-of-use surge protectors can offer an extra layer of defense for specific electronics. These are typically in the form of power strips with built-in surge protection. They are ideal for sensitive and valuable electronics like computers and entertainment systems.
3. Unplug Devices During Storms
If you know a storm is approaching, unplugging your electronics can prevent them from being damaged by a surge. While it’s not always practical, this simple step can save your devices from irreparable harm.
4. Regularly Inspect and Maintain Your Electrical System
Ensure that your electrical wiring and grounding systems are in good condition. Faulty wiring can exacerbate the damage caused by surges. Regular maintenance by a professional can help identify and fix potential issues before they become significant problems.
Benefits of Surge Prevention
Implementing surge protection measures provides several benefits:
- Protection of Investments: Safeguarding your electronics from surges helps protect the significant investment you’ve made in your home’s technology.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing your home is equipped to handle surges gives you peace of mind, especially during unpredictable summer storms.
- Extended Lifespan of Electronics: Proper surge protection can extend the lifespan of your electronics by preventing the gradual wear and tear caused by frequent minor surges.
Protect your home electronics today! For effective and reliable surge protection solutions, call (803) 889-0686 now to speak with one of our live and locally hired Professional Service Representatives. Or, click HERE to fill out our online Service Request form 24/7. Don’t wait until it’s too late—act now to safeguard your home against summer storms.
By taking the necessary steps to prevent summer electrical surges, you can ensure the safety and longevity of your home’s electronics and avoid the stress and expense of dealing with surge-related damage. Act today to keep your home and family safe from the unseen dangers of summer storms!
Written by: Jared M. Sewell