Not only is a power surge inconvenient, but it can also cost you a pretty penny.
Although these surges are relatively uncommon in the UK, they’re not unlikely to happen and can seriously damage plugged-in gadgets.
Let’s learn more about these surges and how we can protect our precious PCs against them.
Contents
What are Power Surges?
Picture this: a calm river is slowly flowing through a series of floodgates, but all of a sudden, all these gates open, and the steady pace of the water changes to a rush. The overwhelming force of the water is now capable of crashing into and destroying structures in its path.
That’s what a power surge does. The high amount of voltage coming through is the water, and your charging phone is the vulnerable structure damaged by its wrath.
Causes of power surges:
One of the most common times they occur is after a power outage once the power has been restored.
Power surges happen due to a rapid spike in electrical power. They’re often caused by lightning, the power coming back on after an outage, issues with the home’s wiring, or high-power devices starting or stopping, which disrupts the steady flow of electricity.
These spikes can harm electronics by exceeding their voltage tolerance.
Identifying Vulnerable Appliances
Home appliances that are most vulnerable to power surges include:
- Refrigerators,
- washing machines,
- televisions,
- And computers.
These devices are particularly at risk because they often contain delicate electronic components and microprocessors sensitive to voltage changes.
It’s essential to keep the impact of a power surge in mind when purchasing any electrical equipment, even hoovers. Most appliances will be affected but in different ways.
For example:
Cord and cordless vacuum cleaners can both be affected by surges, but in different ways:
- Corded vacuum cleaners: a surge can directly damage the motor or electronic controls if the excess voltage passes through the power cord.
- Cordless vacuums: While not connected to the mains during use, they can be damaged during charging if a power surge occurs, affecting the battery and charging circuitry.
Preventative Measures
There are a few measures you can take to prevent frying your appliances.
It’s true what they say, prevention is the best cure. You’ll thank yourself in the future when you don’t have to splash out thousands to replace laptops and fridges.
Ideal ways to protect appliances against surges:
- Equip all your expensive electronic devices with surge protectors to shield them from unexpected voltage spikes.
- Unplug your gadgets when not actively in use to prevent damage during unforeseen surges.
- Limit the use of extension cords, as they can sometimes compromise your system’s overall surge protection effectiveness.
- Prepare for outages by having a backup generator or a UPS, ensuring your operations can continue smoothly without interruption.
- Consider generating renewable electricity at home when the grid supply cuts out.
Protect Devices at Home and Work
We don’t just have valuable electric appliances in our houses, but also in the office. It’s crucial to plug out computers and other valuable gadgets before leaving the office to avoid damaging them if a power surge happens overnight.
Visit the Utility Bidder website to learn more about saving on your business electricity and what renewable energy sources work best for you.
Installation and Maintenance of Surge Protection Devices
- Guidelines on selecting the proper surge protection devices for different home appliances.
- Installation tips – DIY vs. professional installation options.
- Maintenance checks to ensure ongoing protection (e.g., checking indicator lights on surge protection devices).
Understanding Insurance and Warranties
Ensure you thoroughly read the warranty and insurance agreements to understand if you’re covered.
Most warranties won’t cover damage done by power surges, but your home insurance might pay you out.
Benefits of Protecting Appliances Against Surges
- Extends appliance lifespan by preventing damage.
- Saves money on repairs or replacements.
- Enhances home safety by reducing electrical fire risks.
- Protects data on electronic devices like computers.
- Ensures appliance efficiency and operational reliability.
- Offers peace of mind from unexpected surge-related disruptions.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, understanding the importance of insurance and warranties and regular maintenance of surge protection devices ensures you’re covered in all aspects. While power surges may seem rare in the UK, their potential for damage is significant, affecting everything from your refrigerator to your laptop.
The peace of mind and financial savings achieved through these steps are invaluable, making surge protection a wise investment for any homeowner. Take the needed steps, or you’ll be kicking yourself afterwards.