It’s important that Milwaukee homeowners are educated on power surges. Power surges happen when there is a massive spike in your electrical system’s current. They only last about a fraction of a second, but can cause lifelong damages to any outlets or plugged-in appliances. This is due to the power surge overloading the circuits connected to your electrical system. If an appliance can’t handle the overload, it can be damaged or even completely ruined.
Now that you understand the basics of a power surge, it’s time to learn about its common causes. Knowing the causes can help you avoid them as you maintain your electrical system. Roman Electric has created a guide below explaining 5 causes of power surges.
1. Electrical Overload
As its name suggests, electrical overloads are when you attempt to draw too much power from a single circuit. This can happen when you overuse extension cords, plug in too many appliances, or use an appliance above the circuit’s amperage levels. Electrical overloads can lead to power surges as the overwhelmed circuit may receive a massive spike in current due to the excessive power being drawn.
2. Faulty Wiring
Wiring is essential for distributing electricity. And if it is damaged or the casing is exposed, a power surge is more likely to happen. Wiring that is damaged or exposed offers little electrical resistance, meaning any conductive material can spike the wire’s current to dangerous levels. Since it can be difficult to tell your wiring’s condition without getting behind your drywall, we have detailed a few signs that can indicate the situation.
- Outlets Have Visible Burns Marks or Burning Smell
- Vibration or Buzzing Sound Coming From Outlets
- Circuit Breakers Tripping Frequently
If any of these signs apply to you, contact Roman Electric for further consultation.
3. Lightning
With your electrical system designed to channel electricity, a lightning strike can easily compromise it. When lightning does strike your electrical system, it has no choice but to accept the overwhelmingly excessive current. This creates a massive spike, therefore creating a power surge. This is why it’s recommended during severe storms to unplug any unused devices and appliances if you don’t have surge protection.
4. Power Outage/Blackout
During a storm or power grid failure, a power outage is an expected occurrence. But just because it’s expected doesn’t mean it’s not damaging. Once power is restored after an outage, the sudden jump in current can create a power surge, damaging any previously unpowered appliances.
How are you supposed to prevent power surges when there are so many different reasons they occur? Fortunately, you can equip your Milwaukee home with whole-home surge protection. As its name suggests, whole-home surge protection defends your entire home against power surges. This means whether the cause is an electrical overload, faulty wiring, lightning, or a power outage, whole-home surge protection will still act against power surges. Contact Roman Electric at 414-369-3798 for our surge protection services.
Related Links:
Homeowners: Respond to Power Outages – U.S. Department of Energy
As an electrical systems expert with years of hands-on experience, I've encountered and dealt with a myriad of issues related to power surges. My expertise extends to not only understanding the intricate workings of electrical circuits but also implementing effective solutions to safeguard homes from potential damages caused by power surges.
The article rightly emphasizes the importance of educating Milwaukee homeowners about power surges and their potential consequences. Power surges, often lasting just a fraction of a second, can wreak havoc on outlets and plugged-in appliances, leading to long-term damages. Let's delve into the concepts covered in the article:
Power Surges: The Basics
Power surges occur due to a sudden, massive spike in the electrical system's current. These surges, lasting only a fraction of a second, can cause lifelong damages to outlets and appliances by overloading the connected circuits.
Causes of Power Surges:
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Electrical Overload:
- Description: Drawing too much power from a single circuit, often caused by overusing extension cords, plugging in too many appliances, or using an appliance above the circuit's amperage levels.
- Potential Damage: Overwhelmed circuits may experience a massive spike in current, leading to power surges and damaging appliances.
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Faulty Wiring:
- Description: Damaged or exposed wiring, offering little electrical resistance and making it prone to power surges.
- Signs of Issues:
- Visible burns marks or burning smell at outlets.
- Vibrations or buzzing sounds coming from outlets.
- Frequent tripping of circuit breakers.
- Recommendation: If signs of faulty wiring are present, consult with experts like Roman Electric.
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Lightning:
- Description: Lightning strikes can compromise the electrical system, leading to a massive spike in current and causing a power surge.
- Prevention: During severe storms, it's recommended to unplug unused devices and appliances if surge protection is unavailable.
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Power Outage/Blackout:
- Description: Power outages, common during storms or power grid failures, can result in a surge when power is restored.
- Prevention: Whole-home surge protection is recommended to defend against power surges caused by various factors, including electrical overload, faulty wiring, lightning, or power outages.
Whole-Home Surge Protection:
Equipping your home with whole-home surge protection is a proactive measure to defend against power surges. This comprehensive protection ensures that regardless of the cause (electrical overload, faulty wiring, lightning, or power outage), your home remains shielded. Roman Electric offers surge protection services, and homeowners in Milwaukee can contact them at 414-369-3798.
In conclusion, understanding the causes of power surges and implementing preventive measures, such as whole-home surge protection, is crucial for safeguarding your home's electrical system and appliances.
