What is a Power Surge?
March 17, 2025
How Can You Prevent Power Surges in your home?
What Exactly Is a Power Surge? How Can You Prevent Power Surges in Your Home?
When it comes to protecting your home and electronics, one of the most important yet often overlooked concerns is the threat of a power surge. A power surge is a sudden spike in voltage that can wreak havoc on your electrical appliances and devices, leading to costly repairs or replacements. But what exactly is a power surge, why is it dangerous, and how can you protect your home from these electrical disruptions?
Let’s dive into the details of power surges, their causes, and the best ways to keep your home safe.
What Exactly Is a Power Surge?
A power surge, also called a voltage surge, is a brief increase in the electrical voltage supplied to your home. It typically lasts for a fraction of a second but can reach voltages much higher than normal operating levels. While standard household voltage in the U.S. is around 120 volts, power surges can send voltage spikes that may be several times that amount.
These surges can occur for many reasons, both within your home and from outside sources, and can lead to significant damage to electrical devices that are plugged in at the time. Some surges are very small and have little to no noticeable effect, while others can be large enough to cause immediate and permanent damage.
How Can You Prevent Power Surges in Your Home?
Fortunately, there are several effective ways to protect your home from power surges and the potentially costly damage they can cause:
Install Surge Protectors
Surge protectors are the most common and easiest way to safeguard your electronics. These devices are designed to divert excess voltage to the ground, preventing it from reaching your devices. You can plug important appliances like computers, televisions, and home entertainment systems into surge protectors, which can absorb and dissipate electrical surges.
Not all surge protectors are created equal, so be sure to choose one with the right specifications. Look for the joule rating, which indicates how much energy the protector can absorb before it no longer offers protection. The higher the joule rating, the more protection it provides.
Whole-House Surge Protection
If you're looking for a more comprehensive solution, consider installing a whole-house surge protector. This device is installed at your electrical panel (or circuit breaker box) and protects all of the electrical systems in your home by blocking surges from entering your wiring. Whole-house surge protection is particularly useful if your area experiences frequent electrical storms or if you have expensive appliances that you want to safeguard from sudden spikes in power. Call us for a quote to install a whole-house surge protector.
Unplug Devices During Storms
One of the simplest and most effective ways to protect electronics from a power surge, especially those caused by lightning, is to unplug them during electrical storms. Lightning strikes are one of the most common causes of power surges, and unplugging devices can completely eliminate the risk of damage.
Maintain Your Wiring
Older homes with outdated or faulty electrical wiring may be more vulnerable to power surges. Ensure your wiring is up to code, and have it inspected periodically by a licensed electrician. Updating your electrical system can help prevent surges caused by poor connections, faulty breakers, or outdated infrastructure.
Use Appliances Wisely
Avoid overloading electrical circuits with too many high-wattage appliances. Appliances that demand a lot of electricity, such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and space heaters, can cause voltage drops or surges if they are turned on simultaneously. Space out the use of heavy-duty appliances to minimize the risk of electrical fluctuations.
Why Are Power Surges Dangerous for Your Home and Your Belongings?
Power surges are dangerous because they can cause immediate and long-term damage to electrical devices. Here are some reasons why power surges should not be taken lightly:
Damage to Electronics and Appliances
When a power surge occurs, the excess voltage can fry the circuits of plugged-in electronics, leading to permanent damage. For instance:
• Computers and Laptops: A surge can damage the sensitive components inside your devices, such as the motherboard or hard drive, potentially destroying valuable data.
• Home Appliances: Large appliances like refrigerators, air conditioners, and washing machines have complex electrical systems that can fail during a surge, requiring expensive repairs or replacements.
• Televisions and Audio Systems: Power surges can burn out the internal components of TVs, sound systems, and gaming consoles, rendering them inoperable.
Potential Fire Hazard
In some extreme cases, a large surge can cause wires to overheat, which could potentially result in a fire. While this is rare, it’s an additional risk that highlights the importance of surge protection, particularly when dealing with high-powered appliances.
Insurance Costs
In the event that power surges damage your appliances, you may face significant repair or replacement costs. While some home insurance policies cover surge-related damage, many require specific coverage riders, and there may be limits on how much you can claim. By preventing surges, you avoid the financial burden of having to replace expensive electronics and appliances.
Is There a Typical Time That Power Surges Occur?
Power surges can happen at any time, but there are certain conditions and events when they are more likely to occur:
During Lightning Storms
One of the most common causes of power surges is lightning. A lightning strike can cause a sudden and intense surge of electricity to enter your home’s electrical system. This surge can travel through power lines and wiring, affecting all devices that are plugged in at the time.
When Large Appliances Start or Shut Off
Another common cause of surges occurs when large electrical appliances, such as air conditioners, refrigerators, or industrial equipment, are turned on or off. These appliances draw large amounts of power and can cause voltage fluctuations in the system, leading to a surge. If many high-power appliances start simultaneously, the surge can be significant enough to cause problems.
Power Grid Issues
Surges can also occur when there are issues with the power grid itself. For example, when power is restored after an outage, a surge can occur as the grid stabilizes. Additionally, fluctuations in the grid, such as during periods of high demand or voltage drops, can cause temporary surges.
Power surges are more than just an inconvenience—they can be damaging to your home’s electrical system and your valuable electronics. Understanding the risks and taking proactive measures to protect your home is crucial. Installing surge protectors, ensuring your home’s wiring is up to date, and unplugging devices during storms can all help prevent damage caused by electrical surges.
Ensure safety and reliability with professional electrical repairs. Hire a licensed electrician to handle hazards, comply with codes, and protect your property.
Halloween is a time for glowing jack-o’-lanterns, spooky decorations, and front yards lit up like haunted houses. But with all the extra lights, extension cords, and power-hungry props, it’s also a time when electrical safety is more important than ever. At KrisLee Electric, we want to make sure your Halloween is all treats—no shocks or fire hazards. Here are a few Halloween electrical safety tips to keep your home safe while staying festive: 🎃 Use Outdoor-Rated Decorations and Cords Not all Halloween decorations are built the same! If you're plugging in lights or inflatables outside, make sure: They’re labeled for outdoor use Cords and plugs are weather-resistant Outlets are GFCI-protected to prevent shock 💡 *Tip: Don’t run cords through doors or windows—they can pinch and damage the wires.* 👻 Avoid Overloading Circuits It’s tempting to go all out with lights, sound effects, and fog machines—but too much on one circuit can trip breakers or start a fire. Use multiple circuits if possible Don’t daisy-chain extension cords Use smart plugs or timers to manage loads ⚠️ If you notice flickering lights or warm outlets, it’s time to unplug something! 🕯️ Switch from Candles to LEDs Open flames in jack-o’-lanterns and along walkways look cool but come with serious fire risk—especially around costumes and dry leaves, opt for: Battery-powered LED candles Solar pathway lights LED string lights for a spooky but safe glow 🔥 Bonus: LEDs use less energy and last longer, too! 🧛 Keep Walkways Clear and Cords Taped Down Trick-or-treaters may not see cords in the dark. Prevent trips and falls by: Using cord covers or heavy-duty tape Running cords along the edges of walkways, not across them Keeping decorations out of the main walking path 🎃 Test Your Smoke Detectors and Outlets With extra electricity running through your home, make sure: Smoke and CO detectors have fresh batteries Outdoor outlets are properly sealed Extension cords are free of frays or damage 🛠️ Need an outlet upgrade or GFCI repair before the big night? We’re just a call away. Stay Safe and Spooky! 👷♂️⚡ We love Halloween as much as you do—but we take electrical safety seriously. If you need help getting your home Halloween-ready or want an inspection before the holiday season, we’re here to help. You can check out these other spooktacular safety tips to help you have a Boo-itful Halloween, Schedule a fall electrical checkup today and enjoy a worry-free Halloween!
If you've ever bought or lived in an older home, chances are you’ve heard of knob-and-tube wiring. This vintage electrical system was standard in homes built from the 1880s through the 1940s—and while it was innovative in its day, it raises some serious concerns today. So, what exactly is knob-and-tube wiring, and is it something you should be worried about? Let’s break it down. ⚙️ What Is Knob-and-Tube Wiring? Knob-and-tube (often abbreviated as K&T) is a method of electrical wiring that uses ceramic knobs to hold wires in place and ceramic tubes to guide them through wooden beams. Unlike modern wiring, it has: No grounding wire Separate hot and neutral wires, run individually Cloth or rubber insulation (which can deteriorate over time) While it worked well for the lower electrical demands of early 20th-century homes, it wasn’t designed for today’s energy-hungry appliances or safety standards. 🚩 Why Knob-and-Tube Wiring Is a Concern Many homeowners ask us: “Is knob-and-tube wiring dangerous?” The answer? It can be. Here’s why: No Ground Wire Modern wiring includes a ground wire for safety. K&T lacks this, which increases the risk of shocks and fire—especially when used with today’s electronics. Insulation Breakdown The cloth insulation used in knob-and-tube systems becomes brittle over time, exposing live wires that can arc or overheat. Modified or Improperly Repaired Wiring Many homes with K&T have had "DIY fixes" over the years—mixing old wiring with modern components. These mismatched setups often violate code and pose safety hazards. Overloading the System Homes built with K&T were never designed to handle the load of modern HVAC systems, microwaves, EV chargers, or multiple electronics. 🏡 Can You Sell or Insure a Home with Knob-and-Tube Wiring? Many insurance companies are reluctant—or outright refuse—to insure homes with active knob-and-tube wiring. Even if you find coverage, expect higher premiums. Some mortgage lenders may also deny loans until the wiring is updated. If you’re selling a home, outdated wiring could be a deal-breaker for buyers. 🔧 What Should You Do if You Have Knob-and-Tube Wiring? If your home has knob-and-tube wiring, here are your options: ✅ Schedule a professional inspection – to assess condition, safety, and potential upgrades ✅ Consider a full or partial rewire – especially in high-use areas like kitchens and bathrooms ✅ Avoid insulating over it – it needs space to release heat, and insulation can become a fire hazard ✅ Don’t plug modern high-wattage devices into older outlets – they may not be safe or up to code ⚡ Ready to Upgrade? We Can Help. At KrisLee Electric, we specialize in evaluating and replacing knob-and-tube wiring with modern, safe, and code-compliant electrical systems. Whether you’re renovating, buying, or selling an older home, we’ll guide you every step of the way. 📞 Contact us today for a professional inspection or estimate—because when it comes to electrical safety, what you don’t see can hurt you.
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