Have you ever noticed your lights flickering or an appliance suddenly turning off for no reason? That could be a power surge—a sudden spike in voltage that can damage your electrical devices and even put your home at risk.
But what exactly causes power surges, and how can you protect your home from them? Let’s break it down.
What Is a Power Surge?
A power surge is a sudden, brief increase in voltage that exceeds the standard 230V supply used in UK homes. These surges can last just a fraction of a second, but they can be powerful enough to fry circuits, damage appliances, and even start electrical fires.
What Causes Power Surges?
1. Lightning Strikes
When lightning strikes near a power line, it can send a massive surge through the electrical system, affecting homes in the area.
How to protect your home:
- Unplug electronics during storms.
- Install surge protection devices (SPDs) to absorb excess voltage.
2. Faulty or Overloaded Wiring
Old, damaged, or poorly installed wiring can increase the risk of power surges. If your lights flicker when you use an appliance, this could be a sign of faulty wiring.
Signs your wiring needs attention:
- Burning smells or discoloured outlets.
- Frequent circuit breaker trips.
- A buzzing sound near outlets.
If you suspect faulty wiring, call a qualified electrician—this is not a DIY fix!
3. High-Powered Appliances Turning On/Off
Large appliances like fridges, washing machines, or electric heaters draw a lot of power when they start up. This sudden demand can cause small surges throughout your home’s electrical system. Pro Tip: Plug high-powered appliances into dedicated circuits or use surge protectors to reduce the impact.
4. Power Cuts and Grid Switching
After a power cut, the sudden return of electricity can create a surge as power floods back into the system.
Solution: Invest in a whole-house surge protection system to guard against fluctuations when power is restored.
How to Prevent Power Surges in Your Home
- Use Surge Protectors – These block excess voltage before it reaches your devices. Look for ones rated for at least 600 joules.
- Unplug Devices During Storms – This simple step can prevent lightning damage.
- Schedule an Electrical Inspection – Outdated wiring and overloaded circuits make power surges worse. A professional Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) can identify potential hazards.
- Upgrade Your Consumer Unit – Modern consumer units (fuse boxes) come with built-in surge protection to keep your home safe.
Want to learn more? Check out our blog What Is A Residual Current Device to understand how modern electrical safety devices can protect your home.
Protect Your Home with Crannis Technology Services Ltd
At Crannis Technology Services Ltd, we specialise in electrical safety and surge protection solutions for homes in Swindon and surrounding areas. Whether you need an EICR, new wiring, or surge protectors installed, we’re here to help. Don’t wait until a power surge damages your home—get in touch today for expert advice.
