Internal vs. External Power Surges: What Causes Them and How to Protect Your Home

Protecting your home from power surges is essential in today’s technology-driven world. A power surge, whether internal or external, can damage your appliances, electronics, and even your home’s electrical system. Understanding the causes and solutions for power surges can help you safeguard your property. One of the most effective solutions is installing a whole-house GFCI surge protector. This device protects your home from sudden voltage spikes inside and outside.

Understanding Power Surges

Power surges are brief spikes in electrical voltage that can overload circuits and damage connected devices. These surges can originate from internal or external sources, each posing unique risks to your home.

Internal Power Surges

Internal surges are the most common type in your home’s electrical system. They can happen when high-energy appliances cycle intermittently, causing sudden voltage fluctuations. Common culprits include:

• HVAC systems.
• Refrigerators and microwaves.
• Washers, dryers, and power tools.

Even small, frequent surges can degrade your appliances over time, leading to expensive repairs or replacements.

External Power Surges

External surges originate outside the home and can have more significant impacts. Common causes include:

• Lightning strikes during storms.
• Sudden power restorations after outages.
• Grid fluctuations or malfunctions.

A strong surge from an external source can instantly damage multiple appliances and potentially compromise your entire electrical system.

The Risks of Power Surges

Power surges, regardless of their origin, pose serious risks to your home:

1. Damage to Electronics and Appliances

Sensitive devices like TVs, computers, and gaming systems are particularly vulnerable to voltage spikes. Even a minor surge can reduce their lifespan or render them unusable.

2. Costly Repairs and Replacements

The financial burden of replacing expensive appliances and electronics adds up quickly. Preventing surges can save homeowners significant costs in the long run.

3. Fire Hazards

Severe surges can overheat wiring, increasing the risk of electrical fires. A comprehensive surge protection system minimizes this danger.

How to Protect Your Home from Power Surges

Effective surge protection involves a layered approach, combining primary and secondary solutions.

Primary Surge Protection: Whole Home Solutions

• Whole House GFCI Surge Protector: Installed at your electrical panel, this device shields your entire home from voltage spikes, ensuring safety and efficiency.
• Electrical Panel Surge Protector: This device is directly attached to the main panel and protects circuits and appliances from external surges.

Secondary Surge Protection: Device-Specific Solutions

• Surge Protector Circuit Breaker: Provides extra protection for individual circuits prone to overloading.
• Surge-Protected Power Strips: Safeguard essential devices like laptops and entertainment systems.

The Importance of Both Stages

Primary protection prevents major surges from entering your home, while secondary protection manages localized spikes caused by internal factors.

Additional Measures for Comprehensive Protection

Surge protection is most effective when combined with other safety measures:

1. AFCIs and GFCIs

• Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs): Detect and prevent dangerous arcs in wiring, reducing fire risks.
• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs): Protect against shocks in areas near water, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

2. Regular Maintenance and Inspections

Schedule professional evaluations to ensure your surge protection system and electrical components function properly.

3. Professional Whole Home Surge Protector Installation

Proper installation by licensed professionals ensures compliance with the Ontario Electrical Safety Code and provides long-term reliability.

What Happens Without Surge Protection?

Without surge protection, your home remains vulnerable to frequent electrical issues and safety hazards.

• Flickering Lights: Indicates unstable voltage, which can damage circuits.
• Repeated Breaker Trips: Overloaded circuits become a frequent annoyance without proper surge protection.
• Appliance Failure: Unprotected devices may fail prematurely or sustain irreversible damage.
• Compromised Safety: Unchecked surges increase the risk of electrical fires, posing a serious threat to your family and property.

Signs Your Home Needs a Surge Protection Upgrade

Do you need surge protection? Look for these warning signs:

• Frequent tripping of breakers or fuses.
• Flickering or dimming lights.
• Scorch marks or burnt smells near outlets or the electrical panel.
• Past incidents of damaged electronics during storms or outages.
• Increased use of high-energy devices like EV chargers or HVAC systems.

Why Choose AC Electrical for Surge Protection?

AC Electrical provides tailored solutions to protect homes from power surges. Here’s why homeowners trust them:

• Over 25 Years of Experience: A proven track record of safe and reliable surge protection installations.
• Comprehensive Services: From whole-house GFCI surge protector installations to AFCIs and GFCIs, the services cover all aspects of electrical safety.
• Transparent Pricing: Clear, upfront pricing ensures no hidden costs.
• Long-Term Assurance: The services include a 3-year warranty, offering peace of mind.

Wrapping Up

Internal and external power surges can lead to costly repairs, damaged electronics, and even safety hazards in your home. You can shield your property from these risks by investing in a whole-house GFCI surge protector and combining it with secondary solutions like surge-protected power strips. Professional installation and regular maintenance further enhance your home’s protection.

If you’re ready to safeguard your home, contact Your Home Electricians™ at AC Electrical today. With expertise in whole home surge protector installation, the service ensures your home is well-equipped to handle any surge, keeping your appliances, devices, and family safe.