Common Causes of Power Surges in Pembroke, MA, and How To Prevent Them

Did you know that most homes experience around 2,000 power surges a year? That’s almost seven per day! Most are minor and slip by unnoticed. But when the big one hits, it can destroy electronics and appliances in seconds.

In this blog post, we cover what causes power surges and what steps you need to take to prevent them.

If you still have questions, contact Crowe Electric. We’re the best electricians in Pembroke, MA, and we’re more than happy to help you protect your home from expensive damage and unexpected outages.

What Is a Power Surge? 

Most homes in the United States run on 120 volts. It’s common for the current to fluctuate slightly throughout the day, but if the voltage jumps above 170 volts, the electrical system will push energy through your wiring that your devices can’t handle.

Without proper power surge protection, excess heat and pressure from frequent surges will gradually wear down the internal components of anything plugged in. If the voltage spikes high enough, it will instantly destroy your appliances and electronics.

What Causes Power Surges in Pembroke, MA?

Now that you know what a surge is, let’s take a closer look at what causes power surges and how those voltage spikes work their way into your home.

Electrical Overload

An electrical overload happens when one circuit tries to carry more power than it’s built to handle. This usually comes from plugging several high-power-demand devices into the same outlet. Think space heaters, microwaves and air conditioners.

Overloaded extension cords and power strips make the problem worse and raise the risk of a surge.

To prevent an electrical overload, plug high-demand appliances into separate outlets. Don’t daisy-chain strips or crowd too many devices into one area of your home.

Faulty Wiring

Faulty wiring creates unstable current flow and increases the risk of voltage surges. These electrical system problems often hide behind walls, so it’s important to watch for warning signs. Look for outlets with scorch marks, burning smells, or a buzzing sound when something’s plugged in. If your circuit breakers trip often, that’s another clear sign that something’s wrong.

Don’t ignore these issues. Faulty wiring won’t fix itself and waiting too long can lead to serious damage or even fire. Call a licensed electrician like the ones at Crowe Electric to inspect the problem and make any needed repairs right away.

Lightning Strikes in Pembroke, MA

Did you know lightning strikes the United States about 40 million times each year? Even if it doesn’t hit your home, a nearby strike sends thousands of extra volts through the power lines. That surge rushes into your electrical system and destroys anything without proper power surge protection.

Surge-related damage often costs homeowners thousands of dollars. During storms, unplug your electronics or use surge protectors to keep your devices and appliances safe.

Power Outages and Grid Issues

Most people worry about the blackout but the real danger shows up when the power comes back. That sudden return often sends a sharp surge through your home’s wiring. Utility switching and transformer issues also cause unexpected voltage spikes. These electrical system problems start outside your home, which makes them harder to predict or stop. Whole-home surge protection gives your devices a fighting chance by blocking the excess energy before it reaches anything important. 

How To Prevent Power Surges in Pembroke, MA

Use these tips to protect your home and electronics from unexpected voltage spikes.

• Avoid overloading circuits: Spread devices across outlets and never group high-power demand appliances together.
• Use separate outlets for large appliances: Give microwaves, air conditioners and refrigerators their own space.
• Update outdated wiring: Replace old or damaged wiring before it causes bigger electrical system problems.
• Unplug sensitive devices during storms: Disconnect electronics to prevent surge damage.
• Use outlet surge protectors: Block excess voltage before it reaches your devices.
• Install whole-home surge protection: Defend your entire system from both internal and external surges.

If you need help with any of these tips, contact Crowe Electric. We’re always ready to help you protect your home.