A power surge is a large and sudden voltage spike that’s greater than the regular voltage on the circuit. The electricity in your home should flow steadily from circuit breaker to outlet.
But power surges interrupt that flow, sending an excessive amount of electrical current through delicate wiring. The sudden increase in voltage can damage electronics by causing the circuitry to overheat. Knowing how power surges work and why they happen can help you protect your home.
Quick Takeaways
- Power surges happen when voltage suddenly spikes above normal, safe levels.
- Most surges originate in the appliances in your home.
- Utility grid problems, power outages and lightning strikes are common external causes.
- Smaller surges can still damage circuitry over time.
- Whole home surge protection is the most efficient and effective way to prevent damage.
What Causes Power Surges?
Power surges have both internal and external sources. The majority of power surges are actually rather small. But they occur frequently, and each surge can leave behind minor damage in electronics and appliances. The cumulative damage eventually causes electronics and appliances to break down.
Internal Causes of Power Surges
While many people think of power surges in terms of lightning strikes or surges that enter the home from outside, most causes are internal.
1. High-Powered Appliances Turning On and Off
Many high-powered appliances like washers and dryers, HVAC units and refrigerators have what’s called a starting power wattage, or surge watts. When the appliance turns on, the initial demand for power can be much greater than the operating wattage.
A voltage spike can accompany these initial power draws. Surges can occur when appliances turn off, too. These surges can weaken circuitry a little every time, eventually leading to electrical issues within the appliance.
2. Faulty or Outdated Wiring
Damaged wires, loose connections and old electrical systems can all produce voltage fluctuations that lead to spikes. If you’ve heard buzzing coming from an outlet or switch, or you’ve noticed circuit breakers tripping a lot, the circuit could have power surge issues.
3. Overloaded Circuits
Overloading circuits with too many gadgets can lead to surges, too. The cumulative power draw of appliances on a circuit can exceed the amount of amps that the circuit provides. This excessive draw of power can create a damaging voltage spike.
4. Malfunctioning Devices or Appliances
If a device isn’t working properly, it could draw power in an inconsistent manner. That could include sudden demands for more power and more voltage, creating a spike that damages anything on the circuit.
External Causes of Power Surges
External causes of power surges aren’t as common as internal sources. However, they remain a significant concern.
5. Lightning Strikes
Lightning strikes that hit the power lines feeding electricity into your home are rare. But the power surges they can cause are huge and can cause severe damage.
Lightning strikes can take out an entire circuit and fry anything connected. Even indirect strikes that hit nearby can leave lasting damage.
6. Power Outages and Grid Switching
When a power company restores power after an outage, the initial wave of returning power can be strong enough to cause a voltage spike. This is why you’re advised to turn off and unplug appliances and devices during a power outage.
The same problem can occur when a utility company switches loads or grids. The change can send a surge of power through the lines and into any connected device.
7. Downed Power Lines or Transformer Issues
Downed power lines and defective or blown transformers destabilize the power supply. All of these can lead to sudden voltage spikes.
What Damage Can Power Surges Cause?
Power surges can damage appliances and electronic devices to the point where they simply fail. Their internal circuitry ends up fried from the excessive voltage. This can happen to both small (e.g., a TV) and large (e.g., your home’s HVAC system) items. Severe surges can lead to electrical fires.
In less severe cases, the surges don’t destroy circuitry immediately. But they do leave damage each time. You may find appliances and electronics fail prematurely.
How to Prevent Power Surges in Your Home
You can’t prevent every cause of power surges. But you can protect your appliances and devices. One thing you need to do is unplug sensitive or unnecessary items during storms. If they’re not connected to any wiring through an outlet, then a power surge from a lightning strike won’t affect them.
Also, use individual power surge protectors at most outlets. Be aware that individual surge protectors are like outlets in that you can draw only so much power from them. High-powered appliances may draw too much power, especially during start-up wattage surges. Don’t plug items like clothes dryers into these surge protectors.
Don’t overload circuits. Always leave some “unused” wattage on each circuit to avoid tripping breakers.
One more task that can help prevent power surges is to have your home’s electrical system inspected regularly. Catch wiring issues when they’re still very small, before they start producing power surges.
Something else you should seriously consider is whole home surge protection. This would cover your entire home and not just those items that you can plug into a point-of-use surge suppressor.
Why Whole Home Surge Protection Is the Best Defense
Whole home surge protection acts as a surge suppressor for your entire house. It stops surges from external sources before they enter your home.
It also stops surges from internal sources from traveling across your home’s electrical system. Whole home surge suppression can save you money, too, by preventing premature breakdowns.
When to Call an Electrician for Power Surge Problems
If you’re noticing flickering lights or breakers that trip frequently, call an electrician. You should also call if you notice your electronics failing prematurely.
If the house has been subjected to frequent power outages or nearby lightning strikes, you’ll want to have an electrician inspect the wiring. And any unexplained electrical behavior is also a sign of problems.
FAQ: What Causes Power Surges?
Electrical issues can be worrying. We know you have a lot of questions, so here are some of the more frequent ones we hear from customers.
What is the most common cause of power surges?
Internal sources like appliances are the most common cause. Faulty wiring and overloading circuits are also commonly at the root of many surge issues.
Can power surges happen without lightning?
Power surges can happen without lightning, without power grid problems and without any sort of external cause. Power surges can also be so small that you don’t realize they’ve happened.
Do appliances cause power surges?
Yes, appliances cause power surges. Some surges stem from defective wiring, while others occur when high-powered appliances turn on and draw a larger-than-normal amount of power.
How do I know if my home has power surges?
Flickering lights, buzzing, burning odors and frequent tripped breakers all indicate that power surges are affecting your home. You may also see electronic devices resetting themselves.
Is whole home surge protection worth it?
Yes, whole home surge protection is worth the time and cost to install. It protects your entire home from both internal and external surges.
Call Mr. Sparky in Pompano Beach if Power Surges Have Become a Problem
Protecting your home from power surges and other electrical problems protects both your money and your safety. Professional installation of a whole home surge protection system is the most effective and safest way to guard against surges.
Mister Sparky is Pompano Beach’s on-time electrician. As we say, “Don’t put up with any malarky!” Call Mister Sparky to schedule an electrical inspection today!