Understanding Electrical Power Surges | Christchurch Electrical
What is an Electrical Power Surge?
- What causes a Power Surge?
- Can a Power Surge cause damage?
- How can you protect your appliances from Power Surge?
- How to Choose a Power Surge Protector?

What Causes a Power Surge?
There are many possible causes behind a power surge, and it can be difficult to determine exactly what’s gone wrong. Some appliances and devices, especially those that use a large amount of power, can result in surges. Faulty wiring in your home can also cause power surges. If you find yourself experiencing frequent surges, it could be a good idea to call in an electrician to take a look at your wiring. Lightning strikes are another possible cause, so don’t be alarmed if you experience a power surge in the middle of a thunderstorm.
Can a Power Surge Cause Damage?
While a power surge every now and then isn’t something to worry about, frequent surges can cause serious damage to your appliances or wiring system. Strong surge can completely fry your appliances or devices, leaving them unusable. Extremely powerful surges can even start a fire, resulting in thousands of dollars’ worth of damage and risking lives. It’s always best to act early to avoid damage to your home or property. If you suspect you might have a wiring problem, call a professional electrician for an inspection.
How can you protect your appliances from Power Surge?
Despite your best efforts, sometimes a power surge can be hard to avoid. If you live in an area that experiences frequent thunderstorms, you may wish to unplug your devices when not in use. This protects your expensive appliances from power surges in the case of a lightning strike. To keep your appliances and wiring safe from damage, you may wish to install a surge protector. A surge protector looks just like a regular power strip, but protects your electronics during a power surge by diverting the extra voltage.
How to know if there is a Power Surge in my house?
- Tripper circuit breaker or safety switch
- Sudden resetting or power loss of devices
- ‘Bricked’, broken or failing electrical devices.
How to Choose a Power Surge Protector?
If you’re in the market for a surge protector, it’s important to do your research. Most surge protectors look similar to normal power strips, but offer increased protection in the case of a power surge. Take a look at the surge protector’s level of energy absorption. When choosing a surge protector, bigger is generally better. Think about how you’ll use your surge protector. If you plan to plug in your entire home entertainment system, it’s probably worth splashing out for a high-end model with multiple ports. If it’s just for your phone charger or bedside lamp, you might consider selecting a simpler model.
Speak With Us Now
If you’re growing frustrated by frequent power surges, it’s time to call in an expert. The crew at Christchurch Electrical have years of experience and are more than happy to help out. Contact us today on 03 366 1718 to learn how we can help protect your appliances and wiring system from damage.
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