Spring Storms & Power Surges

Common Causes of Electrical Damage and Top Prevention Tips

Power surges are a common concern during thunderstorms and severe weather events. These unexpected spikes in electrical voltage can damage sensitive appliances, electronics, and electrical systems, resulting in costly repairs and replacements. Storms often bring lightning strikes, strong winds, and power line issues that increase the risk of power surges. Fortunately, there are several steps homeowners can take to protect their electrical systems and minimize the impact of power surges.

Six Most Common Power Surge Causes:

1. Lightning Strike: When lightning strikes power lines, utility poles, or nearby structures, it generates an immense electrical charge. This surge in voltage travels through the power lines and into homes, potentially overwhelming electrical systems and damaging sensitive electronics. Lightning can strike directly, causing a direct surge, or indirectly, through nearby strikes that affect the electrical grid.
   • Direct strike may hit power lines, transformers, or even homes, introducing massive voltage spikes.
   • Indirect strike can cause nearby power lines to become energized, leading to a surge that travels into the home.<l/li>
2. Downed Power Lines: When a power line falls, it can create a short circuit or cause the power system to fluctuate, leading to voltage surges. If a power line is knocked down and then reconnected or repaired quickly, the sudden restoration of power can also trigger a surge, as the electrical flow adjusts back to normal.
3. Transformer Failures: Power transformers are responsible for regulating the voltage that enters the home from the power grid. During a storm, high winds or lightning strikes can cause transformers to fail or malfunction, leading to an overload of electricity that may cause a power surge. Additionally, transformers that are damaged or overloaded during a storm may release excess voltage into the system.
4. Fluctuations in the Electrical Grid: During storms, the electrical grid itself can experience fluctuations in voltage due to a combination of factors, such as high demand, equipment failures, or the need to reroute power to compensate for outages. These fluctuations, known as “voltage sags” or “voltage spikes,” can cause sudden surges when the system attempts to restore balance. For example, if a power station or substation goes offline temporarily, the grid may momentarily experience voltage imbalances that result in surges when power is re-established.
5. Faulty or Overloaded Circuitry: In some cases, the electrical infrastructure in a home, such as circuit breakers, wiring, or electrical panels, may be faulty or overloaded. During a storm, when there are fluctuations in power due to lightning strikes or grid issues, these weaknesses can make the electrical system more vulnerable to surges. A malfunctioning breaker or wiring that can’t handle the surge may allow excessive voltage to reach appliances or devices.
6. Interference from Nearby Structures or Equipment: Storms can create other types of electrical interference, especially when nearby structures (like towers or high-voltage lines) or large electrical equipment are struck by lightning or damaged by the weather. This interference can cause surges that travel through the grid and affect homes even if they weren’t directly impacted by the storm. Sometimes, the disruption in power flow can cause temporary imbalances, leading to surges as the grid tries to stabilize.

“How can I protect my home?” Here’s our Top 8 solutions!

1. Install Surge Protection Devices (SPDs): One of the most effective ways to safeguard your home against power surges is by installing surge protection devices (SPDs). These devices are designed to absorb excess voltage and redirect it away from your appliances, preventing damage to sensitive electronics and electrical systems.
   There are two main types of SPDs:
   • • Whole-house surge protectors: Installed at your electrical panel, these protect the entire home from power surges, including those caused by lightning strikes or issues with the utility grid. A whole-house SPD will intercept surges before they enter the home’s wiring system and affect individual appliances.
     • Point-of-use surge protectors: These are smaller devices that plug into electrical outlets and are used to protect individual devices such as computers, televisions, and refrigerators. Surge protectors with multiple outlets allow you to connect several devices, providing a broader level of protection.

   It’s important to note that not all power strips offer surge protection, so make sure to use models specifically designed for this purpose.

2. Unplug Sensitive Electronics During Storms: One of the simplest and most cost-effective methods to prevent power surges is to unplug sensitive electronics and appliances during a storm. By disconnecting these items, you physically isolate them from any surges that may occur during the storm.
3. Install a Lightning Rod System: For homes located in areas prone to severe thunderstorms, a lightning rod system can help direct a lightning strike safely into the ground, preventing the electrical current from traveling into your home’s electrical system. A lightning rod is a metal rod mounted on the roof of your home, connected to a wire that leads to a grounding system. If lightning strikes, the rod intercepts the charge, and the current is redirected harmlessly to the ground.
4. Maintain Proper Grounding of Your Electrical System: The electrical system of your home should be grounded to provide a safe path for electricity to follow in the event of a power surge or lightning strike. If the grounding system is improperly installed or deteriorates over time, the risk of electrical damage from surges increases.NOTE: Make sure that the grounding system in your home is inspected regularly. Your local On Time Electrical professional can provide expert inspection and recommendations for any repair or replacement needed.
5. Use Weatherproof Outdoor Surge Protection: Air conditioning units, irrigation systems, and garden lighting are all vulnerable to power surges during a storm. Using weatherproof surge protectors, which are specifically designed to withstand severe conditions, can help safeguard outdoor systems and appliances from storm-related power spikes.
6. Install a Backup Power Source: While its primary function is to keep essential appliances running when the power goes out, a backup generator with surge protection can also prevent surges that may occur when the utility power is restored. Some advanced generators even offer a clean power supply, which means they regulate the voltage and reduce the risk of surges affecting your home’s electrical system.
7. Check for Faulty or Damaged Wiring: If the wiring in your home is outdated, frayed, or poorly maintained, it can create conditions that increase the likelihood of electrical problems during a storm, including power surges.NOTE: Like a grounding wire or lightning rod, it’s important to have periodic inspections of your electrical system and wiring. On Time Electrical offers experienced, skilled expertise to ensure your home and family’s safety.
8. Monitor Utility Power Lines and Transformers: Power surges are often caused by issues in the utility grid, such as damaged power lines, faulty transformers, or equipment failures. While you can’t control the utility infrastructure, you can take steps to minimize the risk of surges related to these issues.Power surges are an unavoidable risk during storms, but with the right precautions, homeowners can significantly reduce the likelihood of electrical damage. From installing surge protectors to maintaining proper grounding, there are various strategies to safeguard your home and appliances. Our licensed and bonded On Time Electrical technicians can upgrade your electrical system and service panel with the safeguards your valuable electronics and appliances need to weather every season year-round. We’re happy to offer you a FREE consultation on the best electric surge protection for your home or small business.

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Information and excerpts from previous On Time Electrical blogs on topic +

How effective are surge protectors

Fema protect your property storm surge.pdf

7 ways to prevent a damaging power surge

Three options to avoid the costs of replacing electronics damaged by a power surge