Is the electric company responsible for power surge damage?
Ever had your favorite electronics suddenly stop working after a thunderstorm? Or maybe you’ve noticed your lights flickering when the AC kicks in? These might be signs of power surges, which’re more common than you’d think.
Let’s talk about what power surges actually are and what you can do about them.
What Is a Power Surge?
Think of electricity flowing through your home like water in a pipe. Most of the time, it flows steadily at the right pressure. But sometimes, there’s a sudden burst of pressure. That’s more or less what a power surge is, but with electricity. When the voltage in your home’s electrical system suddenly spikes above 169 volts, even for a split second, that’s a power surge.
How Do Power Surges Cause Damage?
Your electronics are like delicate instruments that expect a steady flow of electricity. When they get hit with a surge, it’s like trying to drink from a fire hose: too much power. This can fry the internal components of your devices, either killing them instantly or slowly wearing them down over time.
What Causes Power Surges?
There are a few culprits here:
Mother Nature is a big one; lightning strikes are like the heavyweight champions of power surges. They can instantly destroy electronics and appliances.
But it’s not just dramatic weather events. Sometimes, it’s the everyday stuff, like your power-hungry appliances. Do you know how your lights might dim for a second when the AC starts up? That’s because these big appliances need a lot of power to get going, which can cause mini-surges in your home’s electrical system.
And sometimes, it’s not even anything in your house. The power company might be doing work on the grid, or there could be issues with transformers in your area.
How Often Do Power Surges Occur?
Here’s the thing: small surges happen all the time, and you might not even notice them. It’s like getting tiny scratches on your car; one or two won’t make a difference, but over time, they add up. Big surges, like from lightning strikes, are less common but can cause immediate damage.
Warning Signs of Electrical Problems
Your house might be trying to tell you something’s up with the electrical system. Pay attention to whether your circuit breakers are tripping frequently or if your lights are doing an impromptu disco show. Warm outlets or switches are another red flag; they shouldn’t feel like they’ve been sunbathing.
What to Do After a Power Surge
If you suspect a surge has hit your home, immediately unplug your electronics. Check your surge protectors (if you have them) to see if they’ve taken a hit for the team. If they look worn out or if they’ve been tripped, they might need replacing. Call a licensed electrician to perform a complete inspection of your wiring.
Who Is Responsible for Power Surge Damage?
This is where things get interesting. If the surge was the utility company’s fault (like if they had equipment problems or a fault in the power lines), they might accept responsibility for the damage. But here’s the catch: proving it was their fault can be trickier than explaining why you need a fourth streaming service subscription.
Your homeowner’s insurance might cover damages, especially if the surge was caused by lightning. But every home insurance policy is different, so you’ll want to check what yours covers. Some policies are like that friend who’s always there for you, while others are more like fair-weather friends who disappear when you need them most. Check with your insurance company about filing a claim.
How to Prevent Power Surge Damage
The best defense is a good offense. Here’s what you can do:
Get your home’s wiring checked out. Old or faulty wiring is like an invitation for surge problems. Invest in some quality surge protectors (and no, that $5 power strip from the gas station doesn’t count). Consider a whole-house surge protector; consider it a bouncer for your home’s electrical system, keeping out the troublemakers.
And here’s a pro tip: unplug your valuable electronics during storms. It’s old school, but it works!
Types of Surge Protectors
Let’s talk about the different types of surge protectors you can get for your home. Think of it like choosing the right insurance policy for your electronics; you’ve got options depending on how much protection you need.
First up, there’s the heavyweight champion: the whole-house surge protector. This bad boy gets installed right at your electrical panel and acts like a security guard at the front door, stopping surges before they can even get into your house. This is your best bet if you’re serious about protecting everything in your home.
Then you’ve got your everyday heroes: plug-in power strips with surge protection. These are the ones you can pick up at any electronics store. But here’s the thing: not all power strips are surge protectors! Make sure you’re getting one that specifically says it protects against surges, and check its joule rating (the higher the number, the more protection you get).
For the tech pros out there, there’s also something called Transient Voltage Surge Suppressors (TVSS). These are heavy-duty devices usually used in offices or industrial settings where they’ve got lots of sensitive equipment to protect.
Power surges, like software updates and social media arguments, are just part of modern life. But understanding them and taking some basic precautions can save you a lot of time and frustration. When it comes to protecting your home from power surges (or dealing with the aftermath if you’ve had a lightning strike or other serious surge event), don’t take any malarky. Mister Sparky offers lightning strike evaluation and full service repairs for whatever electrical mayhem comes your way.