Whether internal or external, there are several situations that can cause a power surge. However, some power surge issues are larger than others and require professional assistance. Depending on your electrical dilemma, we're here to offer simple power surge troubleshooting tips in the event you may not need to call in a professional.
● After A Power Outage
After a power surge, the first (and most important thing to do) is not panic. Experiencing a power surge is incredibly common, and many do not cause severe damage. However, a power surge caused by a bolt of lightning can severely damage wiring and circuitry in seconds. If this happens, do not take on a power surge you can't handle, as the results can be fatal.
● Reset, Then Repower
If the power surge was caused by an internal issue, try resetting and unplugging all of the electronics in your home before you turn on the circuit breaker. Once the electronics are unplugged, reset the breaker.
● Assess Any Damage
Once the breaker is turned back on, inspect and assess any damage that may have taken place from the power surge. Turn the electronics on and then off to see if they're operational (or the cause of the power surge).
● Investigate The HVAC System
Make sure you reset your HVAC system (or have a professional investigate) to see if any electrical damage occurred. If you're resetting it yourself, make sure it's reset to manufacturer specifications. If you've lost or cannot find the owner manual, contact a professional to reset the system or contact the manufacturer for instructions.
Power Surge Protection
As far as external power surge protection, there isn't a whole lot you can do to prevent a lighting bolt from hitting your home or other unforeseen problems from causing your power from surging. However, there's plenty you can do from avoiding a loss to electronics in the event of a power surge (or an internal electrical issue that causes a power surge), including:
● Do not overcrowd an outlet. This can cause a fire, cause severe/fatal damage to your outlets, or lead to several power surges in your home.
● Use proper power bars that can handle power surges. These will automatically trip in the event of a power surge.
● If any electrical item uses a lot of power, do not have it running on the same power bar with other equipment that uses a lot of power. This can cause multiple issues with power surges and many other problems that are far worse.
Considering the information above, there are quite a few ways you can address a power surge. Thankfully, Harrison Electric is here to help you do exactly that. Contact us today for more information!