How Surge Protection Shields You from Lightning Damage

What Is a Power Surge?

A power surge is a sudden spike in your building’s electrical voltage. When lightning strikes near a power line or your home, it can increase the electricity flowing to your property. Even if the strike is not direct, a power surge can move through power lines and damage your electrical appliances. The situation is worse for sensitive devices, as they have a higher risk of damage during voltage spikes. While minor power surges may not raise concerns, a strong enough surge can cause costly repairs and replacements.

Signs You Need Power Surge Protection

Electrical appliances and devices in your home are vulnerable to surges. Whether it is due to external causes like lightning strikes and power grid fluctuations or internal causes like faulty wiring, timely intervention is crucial. Let’s explore the signs you should look out for to ensure timely intervention.

Visible Damage

Check for scorch marks, discoloration, or bulging outlets and switches. These signs often escalate into burning smells and fires if left unattended, prompting immediate attention. Additionally, buzzing or crackling noises from appliances or outlets are a major red flag for electrical surges. In situations like these, it is recommended to call a professional electrician to assess the extent of the damage and recommend the right surge protection system for your needs.

Electrical System Issues

Another telltale sign that you need power surge protection is recurring electrical issues like tripping circuit breakers and flickering lights. If you experience these issues during a storm or harsh weather, the cause is usually a surge. Electrical overloads are unpredictable and often cause irreversible damage to appliances and fixtures. The most effective way to protect your home or business is to hire an electrical service provider to inspect your system and make the necessary improvements to enhance safety and efficiency.

Premature Appliance Failure

While it may not be a major problem initially, smaller, repeated surges can degrade electrical components over time, leading to a shorter lifespan. If you have a home renovation scheduled or are upgrading older appliances, investing in a surge protector can give you confidence in the condition of your electrical system during storms.

The reality is that lightning strikes can occur when you least expect them, causing devastating damage to electrical infrastructure and appliances. With that said, taking a proactive approach and hiring an electrician to regularly inspect your system can prevent further damage and costly restorations.

How Power Surge Protection Works

While investing in power surge protection may come at a cost, the long-term benefits and potential savings make it a worthwhile investment. Research shows that 79% of properties with surge protection systems reported significantly lower power surge issues, such as equipment disruptions. This means that the best way to protect your appliances and devices is with a surge protector.

A power surge protector is designed to redirect excess voltage from a lightning strike or electrical spike safely into the ground. By stabilizing the voltage in your building, a surge protector prevents burnout and saves you money on replacements.

As stated, lightning is unpredictable and poses serious hazards. At Mr. Electric, we provide comprehensive power surge protection services, keeping your electrical system reliable every time storms roll in.