What is a Power Surge?

A power surge is a voltage spike. A power surge is an increase in electrical power that is greater than the designated voltage in an electricity flow. The standard voltage in normal American home and office wiring is 120 volts. Instances of electrical fires or damage to electronic equipment may result from voltage levels that are too high.

How Do Power Surges Happen?

They primarily occur in three different ways:
  • By an interruption in the flow of electricity followed by a short.
  • With an increased delivery of power is interrupted when electricity is sent flowing back into the system.
  • And when a sudden increase of voltage is sent through a power system from internal or external forces.
Power surges can range from as little as one volt over the threshold maximum of 169 volts to thousands of excess volts, just like when lightning strikes power lines or a transformer.

What Causes a Power Surge?

  • Electrical Overload: They occur when too much power is drawn from a single circuit. Overusing extension cords and plugging too many devices into one circuit are the two main causes of this.
  • Faulty Wiring: Outlets with burn marks, a burning smell coming from wiring or outlets, a buzzing sound coming from outlets, and circuit breakers frequently tripping are a sign of exposed wires, which means there’s faulty wiring.
  • Lightning Strike: Direct lightning damage to appliances is uncommon. Even so, it can cause damage by starting a power surge. When lightning strikes directly on power lines, it creates a high voltage and typically causes damage.
  • Power Outage or Blackout: Power outages commonly result from extensive power grid failures, and while the lack of electricity typically doesn’t result in any problems, the reconnecting to the grid frequently does.

Get the Most Reliable Surge Protection Services

Utilizing surge protection is the quickest and most effective way to reduce the risk of a power surge damaging your electronic devices and appliances. By installing a surge protection device that is hardwired directly into the power supply circuit of the loads that it must protect, the surge protection will stop the surge before it reaches your home.

This must be done by a licensed electrician with experience using surge protection equipment and performing other electrical tasks. When it comes to improving your home or your business, don’t hire any electrical services company. Hire a company that will give you the best electrical services in your area, that will treat you with the professionalism you deserve, and that will finish your project on time and within budget.

In order to avoid having a power surge that could damage your devices or put your house and your loved ones at risk, it is critical that you hire trusted electricians like the ones at Got Electric LLC. Got Electric has the answer. Call us today at 301-515-8676 to learn more about our services. We invite you to browse our website and find out why our clients enjoy working with us by reading our 5-star client reviews!