Understanding the risks of a power surge in house electrical systems

by Cary Garcia 08/06/2023

Image text: Home safety guide power surges at home

A power surge in house electrical systems can cause damage both to your home and electronic devices. While power surges are not always possible to prevent, there are plenty of ways to limit the chance of damage in your home.

To help you learn more about power surges and your electrical system, here are some of the basics:

How do power surges cause damage?

Power surges happen when there is a sudden interruption and spike in electricity flowing to your home's electrical system. This can happen for a number of reasons, including lighting strikes and faulty power lines.

A power surge can cause damage by overloading the circuit breakers in your home. It can also damage electrical appliances plugged into the wall outlets. In some cases, a power surge can even cause sparks or fire. Power surge damage can be expensive to fix, as an electrical overload can affect multiple devices at once.

How to prevent power surges

A good method to safeguard your equipment is to unplug it when not in use. Many electrical devices have built-in surge protectors to mitigate the effects of a sudden burst of power. For everything else, you can use a power strip or wall outlet surge protector for extra safety.

Infographic: Power surges at home

You can also prevent damage from power surges by ensuring your home's electrical wiring is up to spec. Faulty wiring in the home poses a major risk, even without voltage spikes from an electrical surge. If you think you might have electrical issues in your home, consult a licensed electrician for advice and a professional safety inspection.

About the Author
Author

Cary Garcia

As a real estate broker licensed in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., I work strictly by referral. For over 20 years, my success has hinged entirely on detailed, efficient service to clients like you.

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Finding a real estate agent is easy. Finding a skilled agent is the hardest…What separates me from other real estate agents is my extensive knowledge of contract law. You need an agent who understands the legality of the contract by enforcing the terms of the offer as well as all of the contingencies, addendums and disclosures. Before signing the offer, I will thoroughly explain the contract in detail, so you understand what you are committing to.I bring an expert’s perspective to help buyers and sellers make the right decisions. 

Because I understand the legal and highly emotional aspects associated with real estate transactions, I am able to provide expert guidance to help you make informed and educated decisions. In addition, I’m very skilled at project coordination. 

With so many people involved in the home sale process, I know how to create satisfying resolutions and make the process go as smoothly and successfully as possible.