Our modern homes and lifestyles are built to accommodate electrical devices. Things like refrigerators, computers, and cell phones feel like items we just can't live without. Most people don't realize that all these devices are at risk within our homes if a power surge happens. According to This Old House, a 200,000 amp jolt from a lightning bolt through a power line could burn up standard 20 amp wiring. This could mean significant damage to the items in your home, which is why surge protection is crucial. Let's look at a few ways to protect your home from power surges.

Have Wiring Inspected

Many power surges are the result of bad wiring to begin with. Power surges are much more likely when wiring isn't properly installed or the home is operating at a power capacity beyond what it was intended for. If you live in an older house, it's more likely that you're operating on insufficient power and wiring. Electricians can help with inspections and upgrades.

Get Devices Inspected

You should also make sure that all the appliances and devices that you're operating are in good shape. If they're outdated, you should consider upgrading. Newer devices are much safer and are built to better handle surges.

Purchase a Surge Protector

A surge protector is a device that you can put into your home to divert power surges. The surge protector works by channeling power surges into the ground instead of into your home. A surge protector isn't a 100% guarantee, but it's a good step to take because it reduces the risk of damaging surges.

There are different types of surge protectors available, so be sure to ask a professional electrician for assistance. One option is single plug-in power strips, which often come with surge protection. This will only protect those devices that are plugged into that particular strip, though. There are also whole-house surge protectors that can be installed.

Unplug During Storms

In addition to the above-mentioned steps, you should unplug all sensitive electrical appliances or devices during a storm. It's never a good idea to use electrical devices during a storm.

These are just a few steps you can take to protect your devices from electrical surges. If you're looking for qualified electricians in your area, please contact our team at Beverly Services for assistance today.