Short Typical Damage from Voltage Surge

Typical Damage From Voltage Surge

As a homeowner in the beautiful and bustling zip code of 02908 in Elmhurst, Providence County, Rhode Island, you have invested a lot of time and resources in maintaining and upgrading your residence. In this world, we rely heavily on electricity for our day-to-day activities, making it an essential component of our daily lives. From powering our appliances, to charging our phones and laptops, to keeping our homes warm and well-lit, electricity is a crucial part of our modern lifestyle.

However, with electricity also comes the risk of voltage surges. These sudden increases in electrical potential can cause significant damage to our homes, appliances, and electronics. As a licensed electrician serving the residents of Warwick and all of Rhode Island for over seventeen years, B&K Electric understands the potential dangers of voltage surges and the importance of addressing them promptly and effectively.

In this article, we will delve into the world of voltage surges and discuss the typical damage they can cause to our homes. We will also provide insights on how to protect your residence from such incidents and why it’s crucial to have a licensed electrician like B&K Electric for any repairs or installations related to your electrical system.

What is a Voltage Surge?

In simple terms, a voltage surge, also known as a power surge, is a sudden increase in the voltage level of an electrical circuit. This excess surge of electricity travels through your home’s electrical wiring at a high speed, often reaching up to thousands of volts. It can be caused by lightning, power outages, faulty wiring, or even when a large appliance such as a refrigerator or air conditioner turns on. While voltage surges typically last for a few microseconds, they can cause severe damage in that short amount of time.

Common Damage from Voltage Surges

Now that we understand what a voltage surge is, let’s take a closer look at the typical damage it can cause to our homes.

Appliances and Electronics: One of the most common and visible damage caused by voltage surges is to our appliances and electronics. When a surge occurs, the excess electrical voltage can overwhelm the delicate electronic components of our devices, causing them to fail. This can lead to appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and TVs burning out or malfunctioning. In the case of electronics such as laptops, phones, and gaming consoles, the surge can fry their circuit boards, rendering them unusable.

Light Fixtures and Bulbs: Voltage surges can also damage your light fixtures and bulbs. When a surge occurs, the excess voltage can cause the bulbs to burn out or the light switches to fail, leaving you in darkness. Additionally, it can also lead to fire hazards if the surge causes overheating in the light fixtures.

HVAC System: Your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is another common target of voltage surges. The surge of electricity can damage the system’s control boards, compressors, or other components, leading to costly repairs or replacements.

Electrical Wiring and Outlets: Voltage surges can also have a significant impact on your home’s electrical wiring and outlets. The excess power can cause the wires to melt or short out, leading to electrical fires or even electrocution hazards. It can also damage outlets, making them unusable and in need of replacement.

Damage to Home Insulation: While it may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about voltage surges, they can also cause damage to your home’s insulation. Surges can generate heat, which can melt or damage the insulation and make your home less energy-efficient.

Protecting Your Home from Voltage Surges

With the potential damage that a voltage surge can cause, it’s essential to take steps to protect your home and electrical system. Here are some measures you can take to safeguard your home from these dangerous surges:

Install Surge Protectors: Surge protectors are devices that can redirect the excess voltage from a surge to a grounding wire, protecting your appliances and electronics from damage. They are relatively inexpensive and can be installed by a licensed electrician, like B&K Electric, at your home’s main electrical panel or on individual outlets.

Upgrade Electrical Wiring and Service Panels: Older homes or homes with outdated electrical systems are more vulnerable to voltage surges. If your home’s electrical wiring and service panel have not been checked or upgraded in a while, it may be time to do so. A licensed electrician can inspect your system and make necessary upgrades to ensure it can handle potential surges.

Unplug Electronics During Storms: Thunderstorms are a common cause of voltage surges, so it’s advisable to unplug your electronics and appliances during one. Additionally, consider investing in surge protectors with a built-in alarm that will alert you when a surge occurs, so you have time to unplug your devices.

Why Choose B&K Electric for Your Electrical Needs?

As a family-owned and operated business rooted in community and customer service, B&K Electric takes pride in serving the residents of Cranston, Warwick, and all of Rhode Island for over seventeen years. Our team of licensed electricians specializes in electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation, making us the go-to choice for your residential or business electrical needs.

We understand the potential dangers of voltage surges and are committed to protecting your home and electrical system. From installing surge protectors to upgrading electrical wiring and service panels, we have the expertise and experience to keep your home safe from voltage surges. Our aim is to provide our valued customers with reliable, efficient, and top-quality electrical services at an affordable price.

Voltage surges can cause significant damage to our homes and electrical systems, making it crucial to take preventive measures to protect ourselves. By following the measures mentioned above and enlisting the services of a licensed and experienced electrician like B&K Electric, you can keep your home safe and enjoy the comforts of electricity without worrying about potential damage from surges.

Topics:

Voltage Surges,

Damage Prevention,

Electrical Safety