What to Do After A Power Surge

Chances are, if you’re reading this blog, you’re concerned that your home has just experienced a power surge. But what even is a power surge? Is it something you can prevent? Will your electronic items ever be completely safe? Here’s what you need to know.

What is a Power Surge?

Put, a power surge is an unexpected increase in voltage. When strong enough, these fluctuations in voltage may cause damage to your electronic devices and appliances, like air conditioners, televisions, computers, microwaves, refrigerators, washers and dryers, and more. Thankfully, an ACS Home Services electrician can offer you a solution to this problem through whole-home surge protection.

What Can Cause a Power Surge?

There are many different causes of power surges. Some internal power surges occur when motorized devices or large or small electronics start up or shut off and use more voltage than your circuits can handle. External power surges stem from outside your home and can be caused by lightning strikes or a tree limb making contact with a power line. Whether internal or external, a power surge can wreak havoc, causing problems like loss of valuable computer data or permanent damage to expensive electronic devices and appliances.

How to Tell If You Had a Power Surge

If your home has experienced a power surge, the first thing to do is not panic. Power surges are widespread and often don’t cause any damage. However, a significant power surge, such as a lightning strike, can instantly destroy circuits and wiring.

Signs of a power surge include:

  • Your electronic devices and appliances are powered off and not working
  • Digital clocks throughout your home will be flashing
  • Surge protectors & power strips may need resetting
  • A burnt odor around your electronic devices and their power sources

Take these steps after a power surge:

  • Reset and repower. Reset and unplug all electronic devices before resetting your circuit breakers if the surge has caused a power outage. Once you have unplugged your devices and appliances, reset the circuit breaker.
  • Assess your home. Assess your home for any damages by going through your house and inspecting all of your appliances and electronics. Turn your devices on and off one at a time to see if they are still functioning.
  • Check your HVAC system. Reset your HVAC unit or have a professional inspect the unit for any electrical damage. Resetting your HVAC unit should be done according to the manufacturer’s specifications. If you don’t have your owner’s manual, let a professional reset the system or call the manufacturer for instructions on resetting.

How to Protect Your Home from Power Surge Damage

When it comes to things like lightning strikes or a power surge caused by an external source, there’s not much you can do to prevent it, but it is possible to protect the items in your home from internal and external power surges.

Follow these tips to protect your home from power surges:

  • Keep your trees trimmed and away from power lines
  • Install plug-in surge protectors on sensitive and high-end devices
  • Unplug devices and small appliances you’re not using
  • If you have an older home, consider upgrading the wiring

If your home is experiencing frequent power surges or other electrical issues, you may need some electrical upgrading.

Contact ACS Home Services online or call 813-618-0363 to learn more.

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