8 Causes Of Power Surges And How An Emergency Electrician Can Help | Southlake, TX

10/30/2022

A power surge is a sudden spike in electricity that can damage your appliances, electronics, and even your home. Many people think that power surges are caused by bad weather, but many different things can cause them. This article will list eight of the most common causes of power surges and why you should call an emergency electrician if you experience one.

Overloading Circuits

Overloading circuits is a common cause of power surges. When too much electricity is flowing through a circuit, it can cause the voltage to spike. This can damage electrical appliances and electronics and, in some cases, start a fire. To avoid overloading circuits, it is important to know the rating of each circuit in your home and only use appliances and electronics that fall within that rating.

If you need to use more than one appliance on a single circuit, you should plug them into different outlets, so they are evenly distributed. When you need more power than what a single circuit can provide, you should call an electrician in Southlake, TX, to have additional circuits installed.

Lightning

Power surges caused by lightning strikes to power lines are a common problem during thunderstorms. When a power line is struck by lightning, the resulting surge of electricity can travel back through the line to the power company substation, which may be routed into homes and businesses served by that line. The surge can also enter homes and businesses directly through outside wires connected to the building. Inside the building, the surge can damage sensitive electronic equipment, such as computers, TVs, and VCRs.

To protect against damage from power surges, it is important to have surge protectors for all sensitive electronic equipment. Surge protectors provide a barrier between electrical circuits and equipment that sudden voltage changes can damage. When choosing a surge protector, ensure it is rated to handle the type of voltage surges that might occur in your area. If your home is struck by lightning, call an emergency electrician to inspect your wiring for damage.

Loose Connections

When electrical connections are not tight and secure, they can cause arcing, which produces sparks that can damage the insulation on wires and create heat buildup. Loose connections can also cause circuit breakers to trip or fuses to blow, disrupting power. To help prevent power surges, it is important to check all electrical connections regularly and tighten them if necessary. You should also call an emergency electrician if you notice any sparks or heat coming from an electrical outlet or switch. This is one of the signs of loose electrical connections, and it can be a fire hazard.

Faulty Wiring

Faulty wiring is another common cause of power surges. Frayed wires can create electrical arcing, causing a sudden release of energy that can overload the circuit and cause a surge. Damaged wires can also allow water and other conductive liquids to come into contact with live electrical current. This can create a dangerous situation that can lead to electrocution or fire. Therefore, when you have faulty wiring, don’t hesitate to call an emergency electrician in Southlake, TX. An emergency electrician will quickly assess the situation and make necessary repairs to prevent further damage.

Appliance Cycling

Some appliances, such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and freezers, have compressors that cycle on and off. When the compressor turns on, it can cause a sudden spike in voltage that can overload the circuit and cause a power surge. To help prevent this, it is important to plug these appliances into a circuit rated for their maximum amperage draw.

Additionally, it is a good idea to have a dedicated circuit for large appliances. This will help to ensure that the appliance does not overload the circuit and cause a power surge. In the unfortunate event that your appliance does cause a power surge, you should call an emergency electrician to have the appliance repaired or replaced.

Power Outages

Power outages can also cause power surges when the electricity is restored. When the power comes back on, it can come back with a sudden jolt of energy that can overload circuits and damage appliances and electronics. To help prevent this, unplugging all appliances and electronics must be unplugged before a power outage. This will help to protect them from damage when the power is restored. In the event of an unexplainable power outage, you should call an emergency electrician to inspect your electrical system for damage.

Utility Company Problems

Problems at the utility company can also cause power surges. If there is an issue with the equipment at the utility company, it can cause a sudden spike in electricity that will travel through the power lines and into your home. This type of surge is usually not as powerful as one caused by an appliance or lightning, but it can still damage appliances and electronics. If you experience a power surge that you believe is caused by the utility company, you should call them to report the problem. You should also have an emergency electrician inspect your electrical system for damage.

DIY Electrical Works

Power surges can also be caused by DIY electrical work. When homeowners attempt to carry out electrical work themselves, they often do not have the skills or knowledge to do so safely. As a result, they may inadvertently damage electrical wiring, causing a power surge. For this reason, it is always best to leave electrical work to a qualified professional.

Are You Concerned About Power Surges?

If you are concerned about power surges, the best thing to do is to call an emergency electrician. Buffalo Electric is one of the leading emergency electrical services providers in Southlake, TX. We have a team of qualified, experienced electricians available 24/7 to respond to your call. We understand the importance of addressing power surges as quickly as possible to prevent further damage. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

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