Power surges can occur for multiple reasons, and in areas with harsh weather conditions, they are quite a common occurrence. The damage a surge can cause depends on its intensity, but it is always something which costs homeowners a lot to repair. This is why one must always be prepared for a surge, so that no damage is caused to their home in case of an unforeseen accident.

Despite the fact that damage from surges can be dealt with using home appliance repair services, it is always best to not let it occur in the first place. A power surge is a safety risk and can damage larger appliances in your home beyond repair. Fortunately, there are certain things homeowners can do to prevent this damage and make sure that their homes remain perfectly secure even during a power surge. The following are some of these precautions.

What is a power surge?

A power surge refers to a sudden spike in voltage, which may cause damage to any appliance connected to that network. A power surge often originates from a utility company, particularly during power grid switching. This huge amount of electricity changing grids can lead to a momentary spike in energy, which can damage your home’s appliances drastically.

Another way a power surge may be caused is during a thunderstorm. This affects the transformer near any neighborhood directly, which can result in a power spike that may become a fire hazard and harm your home. In situations like this, it is always best to take precautions to avoid any damage, since the consequences can be dire.

Turn off the main power supply

The most fool-proof way to ensure that your home remains safe from any electrical disaster is by turning off the main power supply. This is a good hack for times when the disaster wasn’t predicted; as soon as you begin to notice fluctuation in the voltage, disconnect the main supply to avoid any damage occurring to your home.

Unfortunately, this comes with a drawback. If you have to disconnect every appliance in your home for an indefinite period of time, you will be cut off from certain appliance and services that you may need to use. This is why, an alternative should be considered. This refers to only disconnecting larger appliances which are more at risk. This will allow you to access utilities such as the internet, and still continue to operate your smart home without the fear of certain major appliances having to be replaced due to irreversible damage.

Charge all portable gadgets

While this may not become as much of an issue during a regular power outage, a thunderstorm can lead to isolation within homes. You may not be able to leave your home for an extended period of time, and a lot of potential disasters may occur spontaneously. This is why having backup to call for help, or any communication methods can be of great use.

It is also important to stay in contact with friends and family during times like this, and even stay updated with news for a better idea of the situation outside. Having your phone die in such a situation can be quite dangerous, which is why having a charged power bank can be helpful. Any other portable devices in your home that you may need is also a good idea, since a prolonged period of no electricity and isolation can get quite difficult to get through.

Keep a backup for internet

For smart homes, a good internet connection is quite often required. In order for your home to still be somewhat functional, having a backup internet connection is a must. The internet will also aid you as a mode of communication, so if any damage is to occur to your home, you can immediately call for help and have the accident dealt with before any permanent damage can occur.

As dangerous as a power surge is, prolonged power outages can get quite boring as well. Having a backup internet connection can help you stay busy and distract you from getting to anxious or overwhelmed due to the situation outside your home.

Get surge protection for your home

If you aren’t quick on your feet and do not want to wait for a warning to start preparing for a surge, getting whole house surge protection will give you the peace of mind you need. Even if unforeseen power surges, this will keep your home as safe as it can get from this particular electrical disaster. These systems are designed to ground the excess electricity before it gets into your home and reaches your appliances, so that the damage is minimized as much as possible.

Surge protection is a good investment even for homeowners living in areas without harsh weather conditions, since surges from electrical utility companies are much more common than those occurring due to thunderstorms.

Conclusion

A home with many appliances is always at risk of being damaged by a power surge. Not only can this lead to monetary loss, it can become a fire hazard in certain situations, and your life may be at risk. These precautions will help you lessen the impact, and possibly even keep a power surge from affecting your home entirely. Whether the cause is natural or manmade, you can rest assured that your home will be a safe space for you and your valuables during any electrical disasters.