A power surge is a brief spike in your household's electrical current. It typically lasts only a fraction of a second, but the sudden voltage increase travels through wires and can damage sensitive devices plugged into any outlets. To help you avoid the hassle and expense, below are some household surge protection tips.

3 Tips for Electrical Surge Protection

1. Protect Individual Devices

Plug sensitive devices like computers, printers, and other communication equipment into a surge protector, which you can then plug into an outlet. This device trips a breaker if it senses a power surge and stops any electrical currents to the attached devices.

Use a surge protector—not just a power strip. The latter offers little or no protection; it simply provides multiple outlets. A better choice is an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), which uses a rechargeable battery to provide a stable, steady current at all times, even if the power goes out. 

2. Don't Share Outlets

Even if you decide not to use a surge protector, never plug sensitive equipment into the same outlet on a power strip as a larger appliance, such as a refrigerator or air conditioner.

These appliances pull a considerable electrical load and can create a miniature power surge of their own. Even though the voltage increase isn't as severe as one caused by a lightning strike, for example, it could nevertheless damage your computer, tablet, or telephone. Plug power-hungry devices into dedicated circuits.

3. Install Whole-House Surge Protection

A whole-home surge protector acts as a gateway between external electrical wires and the home's breaker panel. If it senses a sudden increase in voltage, it shuts down the connection to the panel and redirects the current through a ground wire, away from the home. This way, it can protect all the breakers, wiring, outlets, and plugged-in devices in your home.

 

For whole-house surge protection to guard electrical appliances and digital devices, contact Cedar Park Electric, a residential and commercial electrician in Cedar Park, TX. They have served Williamson County since 1996. Along with surge protection, they also specialize in-home wiring and electrical repairs. Visit their website to read what previous clients have to say about them or call (512) 965-6789 to schedule service.