Ever had a lamp burn out without warning, or a TV suddenly stop working for no clear reason? In many cases, a power surge is to blame. It might sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, but power surges are surprisingly common. Knowing what they are, what causes them, and how to protect your electronics can make a big difference. At MorLite Electric, we’re here to shed some light on this issue and help you keep your home’s electrical system safe and sound.
Contact us now if you have any questions about surge protection or our other offerings, including electrical safety checks, wiring services, and more.
What Is a Power Surge?
A power surge happens when an unexpected spike of electrical current pushes through your home’s wiring. Most homes are wired to handle a consistent voltage—about 120 volts in the U.S.—but surges can cause that number to shoot up without warning. When the voltage rises too far above that normal range, anything plugged in becomes vulnerable.
Some surges hit hard and knock out multiple devices all at once. Others sneak in quietly, doing little damage in the moment but wearing things down over time. Those smaller surges, especially when they happen over and over, shorten the life of your electronics and appliances. That’s why even the subtle signs deserve your attention.
Common Causes of Power Surges
Power surges can originate both outside and inside your home, making them a bit unpredictable. Several different things can trigger these voltage spikes, upsetting the steady electrical current your devices need. Knowing the typical sources helps you understand your home’s potential vulnerabilities and take appropriate protective steps against these electrical disturbances.
Lightning Strikes
Lightning is probably the most dramatic cause people think of regarding power surges, and for good reason. A nearby lightning strike can send an enormous amount of voltage into utility lines connected to your home. Even a distant strike can induce surges traveling through the ground and into your electrical system. This immense energy surge easily overwhelms standard wiring and connected devices, causing significant damage almost instantly.
High-Powered Electrical Devices
Believe it or not, many surges actually start right inside your own house, often thanks to high-powered appliances. Things like air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, or even power tools demand a lot of electricity when they cycle on and off. This sudden demand and subsequent release can create small, frequent surges throughout your home’s internal wiring. While these surges are typically smaller than lightning-induced ones, their repeated occurrence can degrade electronics over time.
Faulty Wiring
Old, damaged, or improperly installed wiring creates perfect conditions for unexpected power surges inside your home. Frayed wires, loose connections, or outdated electrical panels struggle to maintain consistent voltage levels throughout your electrical system. These issues allow electricity to jump or arc between connection points, creating unpredictable surges that damage connected devices.
Power Grid Issues
Sometimes, the problem starts outside your home. Power companies switch grids or bring them back online after an outage. These shifts create sudden spikes of electricity moving down the line toward homes.
You cannot control what the grid does, but you can take steps inside your home to block those outside surges before they cause damage.
Signs You May Have Experienced a Power Surge
Figuring out if a power surge hit your home isn’t always obvious, especially with smaller, internal surges. However, some telltale signs might indicate a voltage spike recently occurred. Recognizing these clues helps you address potential damage early and consider better protection moving forward.
- Electronics that suddenly stop working or operate erratically
- Flickering or blinking lights throughout your home
- Discolored, scorched, or melted electrical outlets or plugs
- Electronic devices resetting or losing programmed settings
- Circuit breakers tripping repeatedly without obvious cause
- Strange burning smells near outlets or electronics
- Digital clocks or displays that repeatedly reset or flash
- Multiple devices failing simultaneously or soon after a storm
How to Prevent Power Surges
You cannot control everything, but you can make your home a harder target for power surges. A little bit of planning today can save you a lot of trouble tomorrow.
Here are some of the smartest moves you can make.
Schedule Routine Electrical Inspections
Regular electrical system checkups catch potential surge causes before they create problems. Professional electricians can identify overloaded circuits, outdated panels, or worn wiring that might allow surge conditions to develop. These inspections should happen every 3-5 years in newer homes and more frequently in older properties with outdated electrical systems.
Electricians test your grounding system, too, which plays a major role in directing surge energy safely away from your electronics. Consider scheduling these inspections before storm seasons when surge risks typically increase due to lightning and grid fluctuations.
Unplug During Storms
One simple yet effective habit is unplugging sensitive and valuable electronics when you know a severe thunderstorm is approaching. This includes computers, televisions, gaming consoles, and sound systems. Disconnecting them physically, the wall outlet eliminates the pathway a lightning-induced surge could take to damage them. It might seem a little inconvenient, but it’s a guaranteed way to protect specific items from extreme voltage spikes.
Limit Use of High-Energy Appliances Together
Spreading out your use of power-hungry appliances reduces internal surge risks dramatically. Running your dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, and vacuum simultaneously stresses your electrical system and increases the chance of creating small surges. Instead, stagger their usage throughout the day to maintain a steadier power demand.
Upgrade Outdated Electrical Systems
If your home is older, its electrical system might lack modern safety features, including proper grounding or sufficient capacity for today’s power demands. Upgrading components like the electrical panel, outlets, and wiring makes your home safer and less susceptible to surge damage. An updated system handles power fluctuations better and supports whole-home surge protection devices effectively. Consider it a long-term investment safeguarding your property and electronics.
Why Professional Surge Protection Installation Matters
DIY surge protectors offer some protection, but professionally installed whole-house surge protection provides comprehensive coverage that power strips simply cannot match. Professional surge protection systems are installed directly at your electrical panel, stopping surges before they enter your home’s wiring system. These systems respond in nanoseconds to divert excess electricity safely into your grounding system rather than letting it flow through your valuable electronics.
Professional installations also include the proper placement of secondary protectors throughout your home, creating multiple layers of defense against different surge types. Trained electricians understand how surges behave within your specific electrical system and can customize protection strategies based on your home’s unique needs.
Stay Safe Against Surges—Contact MorLite Electric!
Power surges might be out of sight, but the damage they can cause to your electronics and your home’s safety is very real. By taking simple preventative steps, knowing what to watch for, and investing in the right protection, you can stay ahead of these sudden voltage spikes. Don’t wait for a costly surprise—protect your home before a surge strikes.
If you have concerns about your wiring, want an electrical safety check, or are interested in learning more about whole-home surge protection options for your home, give MorLite Electric a call today! We’re here to help you keep the lights on and your devices safe.
