When was the last time you considered the safety of your home’s electrical system? Many homeowners overlook the risks posed by power surges, which can be especially damaging in regions like Central Florida, where storms are frequent. External surges can come from lightning or utility issues, while internal surges often arise from our own devices cycling on and off.
By the end of this article, you’ll know more about whole-home surge protection and how our techs at Frank Gay Services can help you prevent costly damage to your appliances and electronics.
The Anatomy of a Power Surge
A power surge is essentially an increased spike in voltage that travels through your home’s electrical system. To understand this better, think of your regular household current as a stream. Normally, this stream flows steadily and safely, but a power surge is like a sudden flood that can overwhelm the riverbanks. In a typical home, electricity flows through circuits at an optimal voltage, which in the United States is around 120 volts. However, when a surge hits, the voltage can increase dramatically, even reaching thousands of volts very briefly.
The surge’s intensity and duration are critical, often lasting mere microseconds, but the damage can still be significant. They can impact everything from your electronics to the broader electrical system in your home.
Think about all the valuable electronics you have at home—your computer, television, smart appliances, or even that sophisticated coffee maker. They all have one thing in common: vulnerability to power surges. When a surge hits, anything connected to your home’s electrical system can suffer damage. The result can range from minor glitches, like a reset clock on your microwave, to more severe outcomes, like fried circuits in your high-end stereo system.
External Power Surges
An external power surge originates outside of your home and usually enters through power lines.
Some of the leading causes of external power surges in Central Florida include:
- Lightning Strikes: With a high frequency of lightning storms, our area is often considered the lightning capital of the United States.
- Utility Grid Switching: Routine maintenance or unexpected changes in the power grid can cause power fluctuations.
- Downed Power Lines: Severe weather often leads to fallen trees or accidents, causing power lines to collapse, resulting in surges.
- Animal Interference: Birds and other animals can affect the power supply by interfering with electrical equipment.
Internal Power Surges
Internal power surges are quite common in households and often result from everyday activities and appliances. These surges occur within your home’s electrical system and can be just as damaging as their external counterparts.
Some common causes of internal power surges are:
- Appliance Motors: The motors in your refrigerator, air conditioner, or dishwasher can cause temporary surges when they cycle on and off.
- Faulty Wiring: Damaged or old wiring within your home can create uneven power distribution, leading to surges.
- High-Power Devices: Devices like heaters or space heaters tend to draw significant power, increasing the chances of surges.
- Lighting Systems: Energy-efficient lighting, like fluorescent bulbs, can contribute to minor yet frequent surges.
The Role of Whole Home Surge Protectors
Unfortunately, regular power strips might not be enough to save your sensitive electronics. It’s a common misconception that they provide full protection against surges. The truth is, certain surges can still slip through, inflicting irreversible damage. Your best bet? Investing in comprehensive protection, like a whole-home surge protector, and ensuring each precious gadget has its own dedicated defense.
By detecting excess voltage and diverting it safely to the ground, whole-home surge protectors prevent surges from damaging your home’s wiring and electrical components. This protection extends to your valuable electronics and appliances, offering peace of mind during storm season when electrical disturbances are most common.
We recommend implementing a multi-level protection strategy to ensure comprehensive protection. A whole home surge protector at the main electrical panel is key, but combining this with secondary protection at subpanels and point-of-use surge protectors for sensitive electronics provides a strong shield against surges.
Read More > The Importance of Whole Home Surge Protection
Protect Your Central Florida Home
Both external and internal power surges can have significant effects on your home’s electrical systems and appliances. But don’t worry. Our team at Frank Gay Services is here to help you protect your home with a whole home surge protection system.
Don’t leave anything to chance this storm season. Reach out to us for a quote to effectively safeguard your home from power surges!