Perhaps this has already happened to you or someone you know – there’s a bad storm with lightning strikes, the power cuts out, then quickly returns. But when you try to turn on your computer, it’s stopped working. Lightning has hit a power line causing an abrupt rise in the electrical pressure, and the resulting power surge to your home has overloaded your computer’s electronic circuitry. A costly item to repair or even replace.
Although lightning strikes are well known for causing a large spike in voltage, everyday home appliances can cause small power surges each time they are turned on. Over time, these small surges damage your property and gradually decrease the lifespan of your computer, stereo, air conditioner, refrigerator and anything else that is plugged into a power outlet or hardwired into your home electrical system.
Learning more about power surges and surge protection can help keep your property free from damage.
How does a power surge cause damage?
In Australia, the standard electrical voltage for a home in most states is 230V + 10% to – 6%, this takes into account load variations as appliances cut in and out.
When the voltage rises above an appliance’s working range, it can cause the electrical current to arc within the appliance. Electrical arcs generate heat, and the heat causes damage to the appliance’s electrical components. This type of minute damage is accumulative, so your appliances will continue to function normally until the damage becomes too much and your TV or computer stops working for no obvious reason.
How can I protect my property?
For plug in appliances such as your computer and television, a point-of-use surge protector is an easy solution. This system looks very similar to an ordinary power board, and the appliances that need protecting are simply plugged directly into the device.
A point-of-use surge protector doesn’t arrest or suppress a surge; instead it redirects the surge into the ground. If a point-of-use protector won’t fit, or you only need to protect a single appliance, a special power outlet with built-in surge protection can be installed.
A comprehensive approach
While point-of-use devices protect appliances that are normally plugged into a power outlet, you need another device to protect items that are hardwired into your home’s electrical system, such as air conditioners and lights. An electrical panel surge protector perfectly compliments your point-of-use devices.
It is installed within your mains electrical panel, and typically either levels out power spikes and fluctuations, or stops them before they get to your point-of-use devices.
With a combination of point-of-use and electrical panel surge protection, your property will be protected against all but the most powerful of voltage spikes.
If you’ve experienced power surge problems in the past or just want to protect your property against the possibility, Contact the experienced electricians at Electricians Today. Servicing inner Melbourne and the surrounding suburbs, we will make sure you are aware of all the power surge options available, so you can make the most cost-effective and informed decision.
