What Are Power Surges And How Do You Prepare For Them?

What Are Power Surges And How Do You Prepare For It?

What should you know about power surges?

 

  1. What are power surges?
  2. Causes of power surges
  3. Protecting your homes from power surges

 

Electrical suppliers in Manila have been researching and manufacturing new technologies that will help protect establishments from electrical hazards. One of these hazards is known as the power surge. This happens suddenly, with little to no signs of it happening, therefore making it a dangerous electrical threat.

However, it is still possible for you to protect your home and yourself from the dangers of power surges. But in order to do that, you have to understand the basics of power surges.

 

What are Power Surges

Also referred to as line surges, or just a surge for short, a power surge is a quick increase in voltage within a circuit.

Keep in mind that in the Philippines, the power we get is on average, at 220v AC power. However, the voltages usually fluctuate between a specific range. When that fluctuation goes above the upper limit, that is called a power surge. This causes an increase in the electrical current. It can also go the other way: an increase in electrical current will result in the voltage levels surpassing the upper boundary of voltage.

Power surges would usually last just about a fraction of a second, but the damage that it brings can be devastating—specifically to power-sensitive appliances.

 

Causes of Power Surges

Causes of Power Surges

Because of the possible damage that power surges can bring, it’s important that every electrical supplier in Manila makes an effort to educate people on what might cause these in the first place. The more people know about what causes surges, the better they can prepare themselves once they happen.

 

Electrical Overloads

When too much power is drawn from a single circuit, an overload will occur. One of the most common reasons for this is the misuse of extension cords. Good quality extension cords will be able to handle all of the outlets used if they’re within their capacity. However, if it exceeds this limit, then it will potentially get overloaded. They are only designed to (as their name suggests) extend the range of outlets.

Electrical overload can lead to power surges. The overloaded circuit may receive an immense spike in current due to too much power being drawn.

 

Power Outage

The sudden failure of the electric grid is quite common in the Philippines, especially during the rainy season where storms basically come and go. As most Filipinos are aware, when storms come, power outages are to be expected. But that alone isn’t too harmful to your appliances.
Once power is restored, however, there’s a chance wherein the sudden jump in the current can create a power surge, damaging any of the unpowered and plugged-in appliances.

 

Faulty Wiring

As with any electrical system, the wiring is the most crucial and arguably one of the most important aspects. Aside from its importance as the path in which electricity flows through, it’s also one of the more easily damaged parts of the whole electrical system. When the wiring is damaged or its casing is exposed, power surges can happen.

Damaged wires may result in increased electrical resistance. Any conductive material can and will spike the current that flows through the wire to dangerous levels.
Pay attention to burn marks on your outlets, buzzing sounds from the outlets, or your circuit breakers frequently tripping.

 

Lightning

While lightning strikes are a relatively uncommon cause of power outages, they still do happen nonetheless. Electrical systems can easily be compromised by lightning. If your electrical system is struck, it is forced to accept the gargantuan amount of excess current.

 

Protecting Your Homes from Power Surges

Protecting Your Homes from Power Surges

It’s dangerous for your appliances to experience power levels above their specified ranges. Electrical systems in appliances are designed to function with a set boundary in mind. Any more or less than what’s set will damage electronics in some way.

Due to the nature of power surges, it’s relatively hard to prepare for it. Aside from making sure that your wiring is updated and your appliances are turned on or off and plugged in or out, your best bet is to make use of surge protectors.

There are many types of surge protectors, all of which are specialized for individual plugs or whole establishments.

For example, the whole-house surge protectors are connected directly to the panel box. This prevents power surges from happening in your home. You can also use extension cords in the Philippines with in-built surge protection capabilities. Whichever you choose, having one will ultimately be great for your home!

 

Key Takeaway

Electrical appliances are sensitive devices, especially when it comes to their electrical system. Power surges are some of the most dangerous electrical hazards that you might experience. Although power surges are some harder hazards to prepare for, you can still make use of devices such as surge protectors to lessen their effects on your house!

Easy Ways to Prevent Electric Shocks

Easy Ways to Prevent Electric Shocks

How can you prevent electric shocks?

  1. Turn off the power source
  2. Use insulated tools
  3. Switch to GFCIs
  4. Make use of outlet covers
  5. Never unplug while in use
  6. Keep away from water

 

Every electrical supplier in Manila is steadfast in its mission to educate the Filipino people on how to prevent electrical shocks. In most homes and establishments, there is always a risk of experiencing an electrical shock.

To avoid getting the risk of experiencing an electrical shock, you have a lot of choices. Most of them will require you to go into a routine, or just simply place things in appropriate places. Take a look at these easy ways to prevent electrical shocks from happening in your home or office!

 

Turn Off the Power Source

Turn Off the Power Source

The first point in this list is also the most common one. Every time that you have to work on your electrical system, even if you were just going to replace a loose screw at one of the outlets, it’s important that you turn off the main power. At the very least, turn off the specific circuit where the outlet can be found.

It’s much more important when you’re going to work on the wiring. Any kind of alteration or simple repair that needs to be done will also need you to turn off the power for safety reasons.

 

Use Insulated Tools

Use Insulated Tools

Another common insight when working with electrical systems is to use tools that are insulated — even if you choose to turn off the power supply. Keep in mind that you can never be too safe when it comes to electrical work.

On the off chance that minor accidents such as tools slipping or dropping happen, it will likely lead to an accidental electrical connection. However, the minimal amount of exposed metal on these insulated tools will likely prevent catastrophes from happening.

 

Switch to GFCIs

GFCIs are probably one of the best options that you have to ensure that you not only prevent electrical shocks but also protect your appliances from any electricity-related damage.

GFCI receptacles are equipped with a sensor that measures the voltage levels of the current that passes through it. If it becomes volatile and goes above or below the standard levels, the GFCI receptacle will automatically cut off the power, reducing the risk of electrical shocks or any damage to your appliances.

 

Make Use of Outlet Covers

Make Use of Outlet Covers

Although most adults have enough awareness to not tamper with outlets, that’s not necessarily true for kids who are usually curious enough to do so. The only way to prevent these, aside from educating them about why they shouldn’t do it, is to cover up these electrical outlets.

Plastic covers are often enough, but you can also make use of your furniture to hide them from plain sight.

 

Do Not Unplug While in Use

When appliances are plugged into outlets and you’re using them, they’re considered under load. That means the device is drawing power and electricity is flowing to and from the device and back to the source.

If there’s a continuous flow of electricity, an electrical circuit is formed. Unplugging from the outlet while it’s under load is a real danger. You’re basically cutting an electrical circuit abruptly. The flow of electricity might create an arc—meaning the electricity might literally jump across the gap between the outlet and the plug.

In most cases, this is only safe to do with small devices that don’t have on/off switches. Anything other than that, particularly the larger appliances like washing machines, electric heaters, air conditioning units, and dyers can all create dangerous arcs when you abruptly disconnect them.
Make sure that you turn off the device first before you unplug it.

 

Keep Away from Water

Keep Away from Water

We all know that water and electricity is not a good combination. That’s a recipe for disaster. Remember to keep electrical appliances away from water and moisture to avoid any kind of disaster from happening. When a plugged-in appliance accidentally falls into the water, do not attempt to get it or unplug it. Before you do anything, make sure that your home’s panel board shuts the power off first.

Water is a conductive material which lets electricity freely move through it—making it dangerous.

Be sure to never put water near appliances so that you won’t have to risk any spills happening.

 

Key Takeaway

There are many ways in which you can prevent electric shocks from happening. Keep your appliances away from water and be disciplined on how you remove the plugs out of outlets. Be aware of whether the power is turned on or off when you decide to remove their plugs from the outlet.

Electric shocks may be a common occurrence, but it’s also something that, when actively sorted, can be prevented with simple measures.