As Auckland’s trusted electrical experts, we at Narula Electrical know that power surges can pose a significant threat to your valuable electronics and appliances. In this blog, we’ll help you understand what power surges are and how you can protect your home or business from their damaging effects.
What is a Power Surge?
A power surge is a sudden and brief spike in electrical voltage that exceeds the standard 120 volts in most New Zealand homes. These surges can last for just microseconds but can cause immediate damage to your electronics or gradually degrade them over time.
Common Causes of Power Surges:
1. Lightning strikes
2. Power grid issues
3. Large appliances cycling on and off
4. Faulty wiring
5. Power outage restoration
How Power Surges Damage Your Electronics
When a surge occurs, it can create an arc of electrical current within your devices. This generates heat that can damage circuit boards, processors, and other sensitive components. Even small, frequent surges can reduce the lifespan of your electronics over time.
Protecting Your Electronics from Power Surges
At Narula Electrical, we recommend a multi-layered approach to surge protection:
1. Whole-House Surge Protectors:
These devices are installed at your main electrical panel and provide the first line of defense against external surges. Our licensed electricians can professionally install these for comprehensive protection.
2. Point-of-Use Surge Protectors:
Use high-quality surge protector power strips for your valuable electronics. Look for ones with a high joule rating for better protection.
3. Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS):
For critical equipment like computers, consider a UPS that provides both surge protection and backup power.
4. Regular Electrical Inspections:
Our team at Narula Electrical can perform thorough inspections to identify and fix potential internal sources of surges, such as faulty wiring.
5. Smart Appliance Usage:
Avoid overloading circuits and stagger the use of high-power appliances.
6. Upgrade Your Electrical System:
If you have an older home, consider upgrading your electrical system to handle modern power demands safely.
Choosing the Right Surge Protection
When selecting surge protectors, consider:
– Joule rating (higher is better)
– Clamping voltage (lower is better)
– Response time (faster is better)
– Warranty and connected equipment guarantee
At Narula Electrical, we can help you choose and install the right surge protection solutions for your specific needs.
Conclusion
Power surges are an inevitable part of our electrical system, but their damaging effects are preventable. By implementing proper surge protection measures, you can safeguard your valuable electronics and appliances, potentially saving thousands of dollars in replacement costs.
Need expert help with surge protection? Contact Narula Electrical today. Our team of licensed professionals is ready to assess your needs and provide tailored solutions to keep your home or business safe from power surges.
