-Power surges are sudden and temporary increases in voltage that can damage electrical equipment and appliances. The electricians from San Luis Obispo’s Electricraft, Inc, advise that surges can occur when the flow of electricity in a power grid is disrupted, causing a sudden surge of energy to be released. Power surges can be caused by a variety of factors, including lightning strikes, utility company issues, and electrical appliance use.
One of the most common causes of power surges is lightning. Lightning can strike power lines, causing an excess of energy to be released into the electrical grid. This sudden increase in voltage can damage electronics and appliances that are connected to the grid. While lightning strikes are an unpredictable and uncontrollable occurrence, there are ways to prevent power surges from damaging your electronics.
Another common cause of power surges is problems with the utility company’s equipment. Power outages, brownouts, and other disruptions in the electrical grid can cause power surges when electricity is restored. This is because the sudden flow of electricity can cause a surge in voltage, which can damage sensitive electronics. While you can’t prevent these types of surges, you can take steps to protect your electronics.
Electrical appliances can also cause power surges say the San Luis Obispo electricians. This can happen when an appliance with a motor, such as a refrigerator or air conditioner, turns on and off. The sudden surge of electricity that’s required to start the motor can cause a surge in voltage that can damage other electronics in the same circuit. To prevent this, it’s important to use the correct surge protector for the job.
Protecting against power surges
A surge protector is a device that’s designed to protect electronics from power surges. Surge protectors work by diverting excess voltage away from electronics and into the ground. This helps to protect electronics from damage caused by power surges.
You can also install a whole-house surge protector. A whole-house surge protector is installed at your main electrical panel and protects your entire home from power surges. This is an effective way to protect your electronics from power surges caused by lightning strikes and other disruptions in the electrical grid. This is a job for a licensed electrician and the San Luis Obispo electricians are the people to call.
In addition to using surge protectors, there are other steps you can take to protect your electronics from power surges such as:
- Unplugging appliances and electronics when they are not in use.
- Making sure that power hungry appliances, electronics and machinery have dedicated circuits that supply adequate power.
When shopping for a surge protector, it’s important to choose one that’s designed for your specific needs. Surge protectors come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and some are designed for specific types of electronics. For example, surge protectors for computers often have outlets that are spaced apart to accommodate large power bricks.
Rely on the experts
For the best protection against power surges, discuss your electrical power needs with the experts at Electricraft, Inc. The team has been serving the residential, commercial and public works electrical and solar needs of the Central Coast since 1984. The local, family-owned company is staffed with experienced, professional state certified electricians and provides a wide variety of electrical services, big or small. Services include:
- Solar installation.
- Remodels and upgrades.
- New construction.
- Installation, troubleshooting, repairs and maintenance.
- Electrical wiring for a wide range of residential, commercial and public works projects, including lighting upgrades, appliances, metering, tenant improvements, data centers, medical facilities and more.
Call today. The knowledgeable staff is happy to answer your questions. No job is too small or too big!