Protection from Power Surges

It is important to protect your home and appliances from storm surges, especially during the summer months when there are frequent thunder and lightning storms. Surges can damage or destroy appliances. When a storm rolls in and the lightning is cracking, take cover. The same is true for your appliances, computers, lights and all of your electronics. Just a slight jolt can harm your electronics. When you see the lights flickering off and on, you know there is excess electrical current running through your home that could cause harm. Even if your appliances still work if they are hit by a power surge, it could cause enough damage to shorten the life of the appliance or your computer.

It’s a good idea to get some protection for your appliances and electronics. There are power strips that have multiple plugs in them that are surge protectors. These can handle and protect your electronics from up to 6,000 volts. You can buy them at your favorite hardware store.

Your other option to protect your home and electronics from power surges is to hire an electrician to install a whole house surge protector. This protects the surges from entering your home. Your electrical meter or electrical panel will be the place where the whole house surge protector is installed. This won’t protect your electronics from power surges caused internally by the electricity going out, but if you also have the plug surge protector, that will give you much more protection.

Both of these surge protection options help to block or cut the ground voltage amount to protect your electronics.

The microprocessor is considered the brain of your computer, printer, washer, dryer, dishwasher, microwave ovens, refrigerator, DVRs TVs stereos and your other electrical equipment. The microprocessor is what commands most of your electrical equipment and how your electrical equipment works. They are very sensitive to even the slightest power surge, let alone being hit by lightening.

Also consider turning off and even unplugging your computer, TV and other electrical equipment when a strong lightening storm is running through your area, so your equipment isn’t connected to electricity during this venerable time.

For all of your electrical needs call or contact Cook Electric today at 410-266-9040.