It can be very unsettling during an electrical or wind storm when the power blinks out — even if only momentarily. That’s when your fridge and your HVAC go quiet, and though these appliances will likely come back on within seconds, it makes us wonder if there will be more and longer interruptions of power. What’s more, these brief losses of power, which are called power surges, can signal that damage may have been done to the electronic appliances in your house.
Let’s have a look at these power surges and what causes them.
What Is a Power Surge?
An electrical surge is when more power comes through wires into devices than the devices can handle. The surges may be small or large, but the result is reduced performance or damage to the devices. Voltage levels for household appliances in this country are typically 120 volts, and a surge means considerably more than that which goes through the wiring.
How does a power surge happen? In one of these ways:
- When there’s an interruption in electrical flow, followed by a short
- When an increase in power delivery is interrupted, then electricity is sent flowing back into the system
- When a sudden voltage increase is sent through the power system from internal or external forces
Power surges happen because of electrical overload, lightning strikes, or during the restoration of power after an outage.
Who Pays for Damage from an Electrical Surge?
Generally, your homeowners’ insurance policy will cover damage from electrical surges to your appliances, including your HVAC system.
How Do You Prevent Electrical Surges?
You can turn off and unplug your appliances during electrical storms to prevent them from being damaged. A more reliable method is to install a whole-home surge protector. Please note that we are not talking about mere power strips but rather devices that regulate power. To protect your HVAC system, you need a higher-rated surge protector to defend it against high-voltage spikes.
Need more information about protecting your HVAC system from power surges? Contact Energy 1 Heating and Air Conditioning.
Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area