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If you’re like most homeowners, you have several devices plugged in at all times. Of course, almost everyone has ever-running appliances around the house, but these days, we have far more small devices that require intermittent charging to operate. Unfortunately, with all those devices plugged in, if your home experiences a power surge, you could be out hundreds—maybe thousands—of dollars if the excess electricity fries your delicate electronics.

At Harrison Electric, we want you to know that it’s possible to protect your devices and appliances from electrical surges, but only if you install the right equipment. If you’ve been dealing with power surges and can’t determine what’s causing them, below, you’ll find a quick breakdown of a few likely culprits along with suggestions for what you can do.

What Exactly Is a Surge?

An electrical surge is a very rapid, brief overvoltage on your electrical circuit. You may have heard this phenomenon referred to simply as a current spike. Depending on the polarity affected, the surge can either increase or decrease the system voltage. In some cases, an electrical surge can persist through several voltage cycles.

Where Does an Electrical Surge Come From?

Surges are either internal (within the electrical system) or external (from an off-site location).  They can occur for a variety of reasons, but in most cases, they’re due to one of a few common culprits, including:

●        Large appliances cycling on and off (internal)

●        Heating and cooling equipment cycling on and off according to your thermostat setting (internal)

●        Tripped circuit breakers or short circuits (internal)

●        Lightning strikes (external)

●        Utility grid switchgear (external)

●        Damage to power lines or breaker boxes (external)

Keep in mind that electrical surges are capable of damaging not only your electronic devices but also your home’s entire electrical system. You should be especially worried about electrical damage if you have outdated or faulty wiring because the system simply cannot handle the excess electrical flow.

What Are Your Options for Surge Protection?

Good news! It’s absolutely possible to protect your electrical system and your devices from surge-related damage, but you do need the appropriate equipment. Chances are you already know what a plug-in surge protector strip is, and if you’re already employing them around the house, great!

But keep in mind: Surge protector strips aren’t the most comprehensive method of protection because they only guard the appliances and devices that they’re attached to. If you only use plug-in surge protection, you leave your entire electrical system at risk for damage.

To protect your entire house from excess electricity, you need whole-house surge protection. This protective equipment is far more robust because it attaches directly to your home’s breaker panel. When it detects excess voltage, it immediately diverts the current away from your electrical system toward the ground. Combined,  whole-house surge protection and plug-in strips offer the most robust protection against potentially damaging excess voltage.

No matter what type of electrical work you need to tackle those obnoxious power surges, our Harrison Electric team is always ready to get the job done right. For over 30 years, we’ve been helping Twin Cities homeowners keep their electrical systems safe and up to date, and we’re still going strong. Just take a peek at our reviews for proof! Whether you need an electrical TISH evaluator, rewiring, whole house surge protector installation, or even just a few simple outlet replacements, when you partner with us, we ensure your 100% satisfaction.

To learn more about our services or to schedule your appointment, give our team a call at 763-544-3300 or reach out to us on our contact page.