Many power surges originate within your walls, caused by the on-off cycles of large appliances. Others originate from external sources, like downed power lines. Knowing how to keep your home protected is crucial to extending the life of your electrical system in Ware, MA.
Unplug Devices During Severe Storms
Lightning strikes are a leading cause of abrupt bursts of energy during thunderstorms. This extra voltage can damage delicate electronics, such as computers or televisions. Unplugging when a severe storm is forecast is a great way to protect your devices from the sudden surge. This step is especially important if your home doesn’t have any type of surge protection.
Upgrade Outdated or Faulty Wiring
Many older homes in the Church Street Historic District and other parts of Ware have outdated wiring. Using modern appliances or high-powered electronics with these older systems increases the risk of surges and fire hazards. Letting an electrician replace the old wiring will make the whole electrical system much safer.
Ensure Proper Electrical Grounding
All electrical wiring needs proper grounding. This allows excess electricity to flow along a safe path when lightning strikes or other changes in voltage occur. Without it, power surges often flow directly to the connected appliances or electronics, causing major damage. An electrician can perform an inspection to see whether you need any grounding updates. Ground rods and wiring connections wear out periodically, necessitating replacement.
Avoid Overloading Household Circuits
Every outlet in your home has a maximum load capacity. Exceeding this limit by plugging in too many devices will overheat the circuit and trip the breaker. To avoid this problem, everyone in the home needs to know how much power each outlet can handle. If you find yourself needing more capacity, you’ll have to install additional outlets or upgrade the circuit. Don’t ever attempt to bypass the breaker — this will only make things worse and create a serious fire hazard.
Ways to avoid overloading:
- Distribute devices across outlets
- Schedule appliance use times
- Upgrade circuits for heavy loads
- Use smart power strips
- Avoid daisy-chaining extension cords
Replace Old Circuit Breakers
Circuit breakers, just like your wiring, wear out over time. And as they wear out, they present risks like overheating, which can lead to surges and electrical fires. Having an electrician test them helps avoid dangerous problems. You may need to have all the circuits replaced or just a few.
Buy Electronics With Surge Protection
Built-in surge protection is a common component in modern appliances and electronics, providing further security. It operates by diverting excess voltage during power spikes, so you don’t have to worry about sudden damage. This safeguard is also important for shielding your devices from the subtle, daily surges that might shorten their lifespan.
Install UPS for Sensitive Computers
People working or doing school from home on a computer in Ware will greatly appreciate the benefits of adding an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). This strategic investment keeps computers running, even during power outages or surges. This means you have plenty of time to save your work and shut the computer down safely. Most UPSs offer anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes of backup power before they shut off.
Avoid Cheap, Unsafe Extension Cords
You might find it tempting to save a few bucks on extension cords by opting for the cheaper versions. But in all actuality, this isn’t a smart move. Many of the cheaper cords don’t have built-in surge protection. The inexpensive ones also tend to lack durability, which can be a huge setback for safety when powering high-powered devices. By choosing quality cords with surge protection, you can confidently protect your electronics for years to come.
Here are the top features to look for when buying extension cords:
- Proper cord length
- Appropriate wire gauge
- Surge protection included
- Durable insulation material
- Indoor or outdoor rating
Install Lightning Rods If Needed
Lightning during thunderstorms can be extremely damaging if it strikes near or on your home. For many properties, adding lightning rods is a wise move for extra protection. These rods direct the path of electricity when lightning strikes, which reduces the chance of dangerous surges inside the home.
Lightning rods provide enhanced protection, especially for these types of properties in Ware:
- Historic homes over 100 years
- Farmhouses on open land
- Large multi-story residences
- Homes near tall trees
- Properties on elevated ground
Trim Trees Near Power Lines
Many neighborhoods throughout Ware have beautiful scenery with tall trees and wooded areas. While the greenery provides breathtaking views of nature, it also presents electrical hazards. During storms, branches can break off and land on power lines, leading to power surges. The best way to protect your property is to keep all trees trimmed back several feet from the power lines.
Use Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters
The purpose of arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) is to prevent damage by detecting potentially harmful electrical arcs in advance. The breaker connects directly to the electrical panel or to the first outlet in each circuit. An electrician can look at your setup to determine the safest installation method.
Replace Frayed or Damaged Cords
Don’t try to use damaged or frayed cords; these defects create weak points for surges to travel into the connected devices. Damaged cords also present fire hazards, especially if they spark. Doing a walkthrough of the home every other month to make sure all cords are safe and undamaged will go a long way in protecting your property.
Disconnect Appliances Before Vacations
Heading out of Ware to go on vacation for a week or two? The only way to make sure you have a stress-free trip is to take extra precautions before you head out. This requires disconnecting all appliances before you leave, in case a power surge were to occur. You, of course, don’t want to unplug the refrigerator or freezer, so it’s best to plug them into a surge protector to keep them protected and running while you’re gone.
Install Whole-Home Surge Protectors
Adding a whole-home surge protector is the ultimate electrical installation to keep your system safe year-round. You won’t even need to worry about unplugging appliances when going on vacation. The device connects directly to your electrical panel, providing blanket protection for every outlet and device in the home.
Book Yearly Electrical Inspections
Yearly inspections are an investment toward long-term home protection. One of our highly trained electricians will inspect the whole electrical system to spot loose connections, worn panels and other defects. If we notice any damaged breakers, we’ll either repair or replace them with new, code-compliant units. Fixing all faulty components is an essential part of protecting the system from surges.
Pioneer Valley Environmental offers a full suite of electrical services to keep your system in good condition. From installing surge protectors to upgrading circuit breakers, we are your go-to team for optimal electrical safety. Call Pioneer Valley Environmental now to access premium electrical support in Ware.
