When there’s a sudden, severe increase in an electrical system’s current, a power surge results. They rarely last a full second, but they can inflict serious damage on electrical wiring and connected appliances. Learn what causes the current and, therefore, the voltage in your home or business to increase to help prevent future power surges. 

4 Common Power Surge Causes 

1. Damaged Wiring

Electrical wiring that’s frayed over time or has sustained other damage that eliminates its protective coating, such as the gnawing activities of rodents, causes current interruptions. A current that cannot flow efficiently will often spike, resulting in power surges. You might notice burning odors from exposed wiring with lower electrical resistance, as well as burn marks on outlets.

Your circuit breaker will frequently trip as well when wiring is compromised. If you believe your wiring is frayed or otherwise damaged, have an electrician inspect the system to provide rewiring services as necessary. 

2. Overloaded Outlet

Too many appliances plugged into the same outlet or power strip will draw significant power, especially if they're larger and require more voltage to operate. Power surges often result when too much current is required at one site. If you have an older home that hasn’t been rewired to accommodate the amperage of modern appliances, the electrical system will overload and cause frequent power surges. 

Stagger outlet usage to avoid these problems and ensure your home or business’s amperage can accommodate electronics and appliances. Request rewiring services if you need an update. 

3. Lightning

Natural phenomena can cause the power to surge in your home, such as when lightning strikes a nearby power line. The line accepts the huge current increase, which it disperses to the connecting electrical systems. Your system could suddenly deal with thousands, if not millions, of additional volts, which can destroy the electrical wiring in appliances and electronics. Unplug as many applicable devices as possible during thunderstorms, such as your laptop, toaster, and television, to avoid severe damages. 

4. Falling Tree Branches 

Tree branches that fall onto power lines during storms can cause outages that make your entire neighborhood go dark. Restoring downed utility lines causes abrupt surges of power that can damage plugged-in appliances and electronics. Whole-home surge protection prevents extra voltages from reaching these devices, while trimming trees around power lines provides additional help. 

Keep your electrical wiring safe and functional with services from RM Electrical. The residential and commercial electricians in Belleville, IL, provide customers throughout the St. Clair, Madison, and Monroe counties with a full suite of services, including electrical repairs and installations. Call (618) 939-0422 or visit the website today for a free estimate, and read the latest reviews on Google.