Why It's a Good Idea To Have Surge Protectors During The Holidays
The holidays are one of the best times of the year. People are generally in a cheerful and jolly mood, there is a buzz of energy everywhere, and Christmas decorations, displays, and lighting help turn up the festive feeling only this season can bring.
With all the holiday lights and displays being set up and running simultaneously from Thanksgiving to Christmas, it is common to be concerned about power supply fluctuations- particularly the possibility of a power surge. When this occurs, do homeowners have enough protection against its potential hazards? Read on to find out how to defend the home against the dangers of an electrical surge.
Power Surge Hazards
Put simply, a power surge is a sudden spike in the electrical current flowing through the home that can be caused by an event inside or outside the home. Most power surges are small enough to be harmless and often go unnoticed. Still, bigger surge events can create a transient voltage that has the potential to carry thousands of volts and is likely catastrophic to appliances and devices that are connected to power sources.
While most devices create a power surge when they turn on, these surges are safe and small enough not to cause damage. The real damage occurs in any one of these three scenarios:
- When power is restored after an outage
- When there is faulty wiring that causes a short circuit
- When there is an electrical overload
Any of these events can create the following hazardous outcomes:
- Damage appliances and electronic devices beyond repair
- Wreak havoc on a home's electrical system
- Cause appliances to overheat and break down
- Start an electrical fire that can quickly engulf the house
Advantages of Having a Whole House Surge Protector
When protecting the home from the dangers of a power surge, the best line of defense is a whole-house surge protector. Not only do they provide blanket protection for the whole house and not just specific rooms, appliances, or devices, but they are also generally more affordable than installing individual surge protectors for each device or appliance one has.
Whole home surge protection also reduces maintenance costs associated with repairing or replacing appliances or devices that may become damaged due to a power surge, which happens more often than people think. Adding a surge protector reduces the risk of an electrical fire occurring due to an electric surge, especially since these may occur beyond our control.
When To Replace An Old Surge Protector
Surge protectors are built to last between 3 to 5 years. 3 to 5 years can go by pretty fast, but there's a good reason for this relatively short lifespan. Most surge protectors use a component that degrades every time it is exposed to a power surge - this is how it provides protection. It is only natural that after a certain period, especially if there are more surges in the area than most, the protection erodes and must be replaced.
There may also be instances wherein the surge protector must be replaced earlier than the expected lifespan. In this case, homeowners must look for the following signs that indicate a spent surge protector needs replacement:
- An indicator light signals replacement
- Frayed or damaged cords
- Cracked and broken plastic housing
- Burn marks or discoloration
- Outlets feel warm to the touch
About All Services
All Services is a reliable electrical solutions provider serving Crown Point and Northwest Indiana's many neighborhoods and communities. With over 25 years in business, their team of trustworthy and experienced electrical experts goes above and beyond in providing a full range of electrical and HVAC solutions that fit every homeowner's unique needs. They are known for their cleanliness, professionalism, and straightforward pricing, making them one of the most trusted providers in the region. Call them today for electrical services in Crown Point, IN.
