Electrical disasters are a common occurrence no matter where you live. These are issues with wiring or your main electrical supply, and have the potential to seriously damage your home – this is something which can not only end up costing you a lot of money to fix but is also a health hazard. A power surge is one of the most major electrical disasters and can be quite a nuisance, especially for unprepared homes.
A power surge can have multiple causes, but the effect it has on your home is devastating regardless of the source. This is why it is important to understand what power surges are, know all potential sources and take necessary precautions in case an unforeseen accident occurs. The following are some ways you can protect your home against a power surge.
What is a power surge?
A power surge is something that can occur through both man-made and natural causes. It refers to a sudden spike in voltage which results in excess electricity reaching your home, which could potentially damage any major appliances still connected to power at the time.
A power surge generally occurs when a grid switch occurs from your electricity provider, or when lightning strikes on an electrical source. This causes a surge of electricity in power lines, and this electricity can reach anything these lines lead to. This current can be deadly, depending on how strong it is and what targets it impacts. This is why understanding how to protect your home against a power surge can not only save you a lot of effort and money on home repair, it may even save lives. The following are some precautions to take in case of a power surge.
Turn off the main power supply
The quickest way to protect your home against a power surge is by turning off the main power supply. This will ensure that no matter what the situation is like outside, or how intense the energy spike through the power lines is, your home remains protected from any potential electrical disasters. Power surges affect the heaviest appliances first since they already consume a lot of electric power; if you have a large number of these appliances at home, doing this may be the best option for you.
This is the safest way to ensure your home’s security, but it does come with certain disadvantages. You will be completely cut off from power for an indefinite period of time, and may not even be able to access the internet or other important utilities that you may require for communication.
Keep portables charged
With power outages or surges, you never know how long they may end up lasting. Sometimes, you may be stuck in your home for an entire day, which is why having working electronics that do not require an electrical connection can be of help. Whether you want to contact someone, pass time by playing games or streaming, or even get some work done, having your portable devices ready for use at all times can be a lifesaver.
Power surges can often be predicted through either weather forecasts, or through messages from your electrical company when a major change is about to take place. You may even be notified of the time during which you will be cut off from electricity, which gives you a chance to prepare for things in advance. This is something that can provide you with much better security during a potentially dangerous time.
Have internet backup
The internet is something that links you to the outside world when no other sources are available. You can use it for multiple things during a surge, and it can make passing that time much easier for you.
If you choose to turn off the main electricity supply of your home, you will likely be cut off from internet as well. In this case, having a backup can be very helpful. You can use it to remain updated with the news in case of bad weather, or even contact someone in an emergency. Without internet, a prolonged power outage may get much more difficult to deal with. Having a portable internet device for such situations is a good choice.
Surge protectors can help
If you’d like a more long-term solution to power surge damage, getting surge protectors or a surge protection service can help. Surge protectors are devices that can be plugged into your outlets, and your appliances can be connected through them rather than directly to said outlet. This way, if a power surge does occur, the surge protector will drive the excess current away from your home and ground it. This can be very effective in preventing damage to your home.
An even more reliable and permanent way to protect a home from surges is by getting a surge protection service. This service will protect your home’s electrical installation in a way that you won’t have to worry about your devices individually or have to take too many manual precautions for protection against power surges.
Conclusion
Protecting your home against a power surge can keep you safe against deadly occurrences such as fire hazards. It can keep your appliances from getting damaged, and you can easily get through even a prolonged power outage by following these precautions. It is always a good idea to have backups for all essentials which you may need during a surge, such as food and a first-aid kit as well.
