Protect Your Home from Power Surges: Prevention & Repair Tips for Homeowners

Power surges are a common yet potentially damaging electrical issue for homeowners in Newnan, Forsyth, and surrounding areas. Whether caused by lightning, faulty wiring, or issues with the power grid, a sudden spike in electricity can fry appliances, damage electronics, and even pose a fire hazard. Spring storms, which bring strong winds, heavy rain, and frequent lightning, are one of the leading causes of power surges in Georgia. Understanding how to prevent power surges and address any damage can save homeowners from costly repairs. Here’s what you need to know.

What Causes Power Surges?

Power surges occur when there is a sudden increase in electrical voltage that exceeds the normal flow of electricity in your home’s wiring. Common causes include:

Spring storms and lightning strikes – Severe weather, including thunderstorms and high winds, can cause power surges by knocking down power lines or sending a massive electrical charge into your home’s wiring.
Downed power lines – Accidents, storms, or tree limbs can knock down power lines, leading to unstable electrical supply.
High-power appliances cycling on and off – Devices like refrigerators, HVAC systems, and washing machines create mini-surges when they start up.
Faulty or outdated wiring – Aging electrical systems may struggle to handle modern power demands, leading to fluctuations.
Issues with the power grid – Utility company operations, transformer failures, or sudden changes in electricity flow can cause surges.

How to Prevent Power Surges

Preventing power surges before they happen is the best way to protect your home’s electrical system and valuable electronics. Here are some essential steps:

1. Install Whole-Home Surge Protection

A whole-house surge protector, installed at your electrical panel, acts as the first line of defense against large voltage spikes, especially those caused by spring storms and lightning strikes. This device blocks excess voltage before it reaches your home’s wiring and outlets.

2. Use Point-of-Use Surge Protectors

Plugging electronics into surge protector power strips can help safeguard individual devices like TVs, computers, and gaming consoles. Look for surge protectors with a high joule rating for better protection.

3. Upgrade Your Electrical Panel

Older electrical panels may not be equipped to handle today’s energy demands. If your home has frequent electrical issues, consider upgrading to a modern panel that includes built-in surge protection.

4. Address Faulty Wiring

Outdated or damaged wiring increases the risk of electrical surges and other hazards. A licensed electrician from Hammond Services can inspect your home’s wiring and make necessary repairs or replacements.

5. Unplug Appliances During Storms

Spring storms bring frequent lightning strikes that can send power surges through the electrical grid. Unplugging expensive electronics and appliances during severe weather can prevent potential damage.

What to Do If a Power Surge Damages Your Home

Even with preventative measures, power surges can still happen. If you experience a surge that causes damage, follow these steps:

Check your circuit breakers – If breakers have tripped, reset them carefully. If they trip repeatedly, there may be underlying wiring issues.
Inspect electronics and appliances – Test devices to see if they are still working. If they are fried, they may need repairs or replacements.
Look for signs of electrical damage – Burn marks, melted outlets, or a burning smell indicate serious electrical problems that require immediate professional attention.
Call a professional electrician – If you suspect damage, contact Hammond Services for a thorough inspection and necessary repairs.

How Hammond Services Can Help

At Hammond Services, our licensed electricians provide expert solutions to prevent power surges and repair any damage that may occur. Our services include:

Whole-home surge protector installation to safeguard your entire electrical system from spring storms and lightning strikes.
Electrical panel upgrades to support modern energy demands and improve safety.
Wiring inspections and repairs to ensure your home’s electrical system is up to code.
Emergency electrical repairs to restore power safely after a surge.

Protect your home and electronics from unexpected power surges with professional electrical services from Hammond Services. Our team proudly serves homeowners in Newnan, Peachtree City, and the surrounding areas.

Schedule an Electrical Inspection Today

Don’t wait until a power surge caused by a spring storm damages your home! Check out our Specials page for current electrical offers. Contact Hammond Services today to schedule an inspection or install a whole-home surge protector. Call us now to ensure your home is protected from unexpected electrical spikes.

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