Lightning isn’t always the culprit of a power surge. Most homes in the United states use 120 volts for electrical power. What most people don’t know is that the voltage from electrical lines running into our homes is not consistently 120 volts. As the United States uses alternating current to power homes and businesses, voltage rises and falls between zero and 169 volts. Learn ways to prevent a power surge from happening in your household.
What Is a Power Surge?
Power surges are when the voltage goes beyond the normal operating voltage thus sometimes damaging electric and electronic components. This can either be caused by lightning, when the electric company switches power grids, or even when the motors on air conditioners and fridges turn on and off. For example, when your air conditioner activates, have you never noticed the lights or the clock on the microwave or stove dim briefly?
How Can Power Surges Damage Electrical Equipment?
Power surges are often the culprit when electrical devices suddenly stop operating. A power surge creates an arc current inside the appliance, which produces a lot of heat. This heat from the electric arc then damages electrical components and circuit boards in electronics, which shortens their lifespan.
To prevent surges, a good grounding system is recommended. Also, a good surge protector combined with the grounding system should protect any electrical and electronic devices by diverting the electricity from the surge into the ground.
Contact Tim Kyle Electric
If you need a Carroll County electrician to help you with your surge protection needs, you can count on Tim Kyle Electrical Services. By installing a grounding conductor, our electricians can ensure you’re protected on every square inch of your property. Stronger surges call for a more robust solution, and power strips aren’t enough to fend off every spike in electricity. Again, have a professional come to assess the situation, even if you think you already have proper coverage from surges: you may not be protecting an area that could later prove risky.