Millennium Realty
Donna Coakley-Mcgowan, Millennium RealtyPhone: (774) 287-2060
Email: [email protected]

Understanding & preventing damage from power surges at home

by Donna Coakley-Mcgowan 08/21/2024

Image text: Home safety guide power surges at home

A power surge in house electrical systems can cause damage both to your home and electronic devices. While power surges are not always possible to prevent, there are plenty of ways to limit the chance of damage in your home.

To help you learn more about power surges and your electrical system, here are some of the basics:

How do power surges cause damage?

Power surges happen when there is a sudden interruption and spike in electricity flowing to your home's electrical system. This can happen for a number of reasons, including lighting strikes and faulty power lines.

A power surge can cause damage by overloading the circuit breakers in your home. It can also damage electrical appliances plugged into the wall outlets. In some cases, a power surge can even cause sparks or fire. Power surge damage can be expensive to fix, as an electrical overload can affect multiple devices at once.

How to prevent power surges

A good method to safeguard your equipment is to unplug it when not in use. Many electrical devices have built-in surge protectors to mitigate the effects of a sudden burst of power. For everything else, you can use a power strip or wall outlet surge protector for extra safety.

Infographic: Power surges at home

You can also prevent damage from power surges by ensuring your home's electrical wiring is up to spec. Faulty wiring in the home poses a major risk, even without voltage spikes from an electrical surge. If you think you might have electrical issues in your home, consult a licensed electrician for advice and a professional safety inspection.

About the Author
Author

Donna Coakley-Mcgowan

Licensed since 1983 Donna is a well known and well respected veteran of the local real estate market. Donna has made her mark as both a manager of a brokerage firm and as an agent. Ms. Coakley McGowan has participated in extensive training in residential real estate and specializes in both Buyer and Seller Agency.   

"I am extremely pleased to welcome an Associate of Donna’s caliber and expertise” said Judy Leonelli, Owner. "I have known Donna for many years and have admired her professionalism and talent for the pragmatic resolution to the difficulties that can arise during a transaction. When Donna is involved you know there will be a successful outcome.”  

Ms. Coakley McGowan has lived in Upton since 1995 and knows the area and all of its attributes. She currently serves the Town of Upton and the Regional School District as Chairperson of the School Committee.  She and her husband Mark and their two children reside in Upton.