Tips for Using Surge Protectors in Your Home

The summer is the season of barbecues, pool days and frequent use of electricity. Between running several air conditioners, fans and pool filters, even something as small as turning on a hair dryer can cause a power surge. Without surge protectors, you can end up with thousands of dollars in damaged electronics on your hands. Power outages can fry computers, televisions, cell phones, hair straighteners and other expensive items you use on a daily basis. Before you end up having to call an electrician in North Scottsdale, AZ, learn how using surge protectors can benefit you and your family.

What Causes Power Surges

One of the most common causes for power surges in your home is plugging in a large appliance, such as a vacuum or hair dryer. A more unknown cause is when your electric company switches power grids, which is out of your control. Lightning can also lead to a power surge by entering your home through cable wires or satellite dishes, and often causes the most damage to electrical devices. Having the proper surge protectors will eliminate this risk and save you from having to go out and replace your televisions, computers and anything else that was fried.

How Power Surges Cause Damage

Most electronics function at 120 volts, which are delivered in alternating currents that range anywhere from 0 to 169 volts. When a power surge occurs, the voltage exceeds 169 volts, creating heat, which is harmful to appliances or devices. The heat ends up frying circuit boards and other electrical components, resulting in enough harm that they permanently stop working. Sometimes power surges occur in smaller waves that allow your electronics to work for a while longer, but they will continue to cause small amounts of damage over time. Eventually, the electronic components of the device or appliance will erode to the point where they stop working, and while it may seem sudden, it was slowly breaking down over a period of time.

Tips to Prevent Damage from Power Surges

In order to prevent damage from a power surge, it’s important that everything is grounded. You can do this by using surge suppressors on electrical meters and service panels, which diverts the surge into the ground. Another thing you should be doing is using point-of-use surge protectors on all of your outlets. Most people use a power strip with a built-in circuit breaker, especially when plugging in larger electronics like televisions. Lastly, you’ll want to make sure your home is grounded on the outside. If you’re unsure whether your house is sufficiently grounded, you might need to call in a professional to analyze the situation.

For assistance with surge protection in your home, contact us today at Eavenson Electric Co. Our team of professional electricians in North Scottsdale, AZ can provide you with the best protection for your home. Schedule your appointment with us now and protect your electronics and home appliances so that you don’t have to deal with the cost of replacing them in the future.

Categorised in: Electrician, Surge Protection

This post was written by Writer