How to Protect your Appliances from Power Surge

A millisecond can affect your life in the long run. This is the case when a power surge damages your appliances without you even knowing. 

A power surge occurs when there is a sudden change in the electric current in a circuit. Power surge usually happens fast that you don’t usually notice if it already damages your appliances.

A typical house in Australia runs a 230V of voltage. When you plug your device, it draws voltage from the outlet, but when it returns the power instead of drawing it, wiring faults or overloading may occur which can lead to a power surge. Your home is at risk when you don’t follow preventive measures to protect your appliances from this phenomenon.  

Causes of Power Surge

Most causes of a power surge are internal which means that it is a problem from your home connections itself. Knowing its probable causes will prevent you from damaging your appliances anymore. 

Lightning

Usually, after lightning, power outage comes after. This is the way of power suppliers to protect the circuit lines from receiving oversupply of voltage. 

When lightning strikes a power source or even near one, it transmits a large supply of voltage in your home which exceeds the required voltage of the outlet. Thus, when an appliance has an outlet connection, it receives oversupply of power causing harm in its internal parts. 

Power Outage

When there is a blackout, it stops the flow of electricity in your home. The moment it comes back, it suddenly creates a flow of electricity. So, when your appliances or devices have still outlet connections, it causes a power surge that also damages them internally. 

Faulty Circuit Wirings

Damaged or exposed wiring resists lesser electricity than usual which can spike the wire’s electric current and eventually cause a power surge. 

It is hard to identify damaged and exposed wiring in your circuit so here are some of the signs to look for:

• Flickering or dimming lights are visible.
• There are buzzing sounds and burning smell.
• Circuit breakers trip frequently
• Burn marks in outlets are evident.

Overloading

Electrical circuits have limited electric load capacity. When you plug your appliances all at once, when you overuse extension cords, or when your appliance exceeds the circuit’s electric capacity, overloading happens which then causes a power surge.

How to Protect Appliances from Power Surge

A power surge causes damages in your appliances so equip yourself with the knowledge to protect them to avoid fire accidents later on. Below are a few ways to do them:

Unplug your appliances

Unplugging your appliances and devices from the power outlets when not in use is a great help to avoid damaging them from a power surge. When you unplug them, no electricity can suddenly stop or flow through them whether the power is out or comes back on.

When there is a power outage, it is better to turn off your circuits from the fuse box so after the electricity returns there would be no sudden change in the flow of electricity. 

Use surge protectors

A surge protector is a device that protects your appliances from a sudden change in electric flow. It is like a power outlet that regulates the voltage output, it ensures that your device gets the expected 230V voltage when you plug it. 

Avoid overloading

Avoid to plug your appliances all at once and make sure that you have dedicated circuits for the ones that consume too much power like your refrigerator, microwave oven, and air conditioner. You can always ask assistance from an electrician to check it for you. 

Repair or upgrade your wiring connection

Damaged circuit connection and exposed wiring can cause a power surge, so repair them immediately. Moreover, upgrades are necessary when you notice outdated wirings. Aluminium wiring and knob-and-tube wiring are signs to upgrade your connection. 

Conclusion

Power surges happen when there is a sudden change in your electricity flow brought by lightning, faulty circuit wirings, power outages, and overloading. You can protect your appliances from power surges by unplugging unused appliances, using surge protectors, avoiding overload, and repairing or upgrading your wiring connection. 

We at Sydney North Shore Electrician can do electrical wiring repair and upgrade, suitable for your home. Avoid power surges now and protect your appliances by availing our services. 

Accredited Level 2 electricians will come to your home providing service-oriented and quality work. The moment you feel you have electrical needs, don’t hesitate to call us as we are available 24/7! Contact us at (02) 8378 2828 or book your appointment on our website.