Household appliances are an integral part of modern life. It helps us in our daily tasks, saving us time and effort. However, appliances remain vulnerable to one of the most common problems of the power grid – power surges. They can damage or break appliances, increase repair costs, and even create dangerous situations such as fires.
In this article, we’ll explain how power surges affect appliances, what measures can help prevent them, and when you should contact a professional like Trusted Appliance Repair in Red Deer to get your appliances back up and running.
What are power surges?
Power surges are sudden changes in electrical voltage levels that exceed the normal range of 220-240 volts. They can last from a fraction of a second to several seconds, but their effects on household appliances can be devastating.
Causes of power surges include:
- Lightning and thunderstorms that create strong pulses in the power grid.
- Powerful appliances, such as air conditioners or pumps, turning on or off abruptly.
- Problems with the power grid, such as damaged power lines or faulty transformers.
- Old or overloaded home power grids.
How do power surges affect appliances?
Power surges can damage almost any household appliance. Devices with electronic components, such as microprocessors and control boards, are most vulnerable. Here’s how it manifests itself:
- Refrigerators. Power surges can disable the compressor or control system, causing the refrigerator to break down.
- Washing machines and dishwashers. Their electronic circuit boards can burn out, causing the unit to stop working.
- Televisions and computers. Sensitive electronics fail quickly due to sudden changes in the power supply.
- Microwave ovens. High-voltage components such as the magnetron can be damaged.
- Water heaters and boilers. Controllers and thermostats are often affected by power surges.
Damage from power surges can be either instantaneous or cumulative. Even small voltage changes can shorten the life of appliances.
How to avoid damage from power surges?
There are several effective ways to protect your appliances:
1. use voltage stabilizers.
Stabilizers ensure an even flow of power, protecting appliances from sudden changes in voltage. This is especially important for refrigerators, boilers and other appliances that run around the clock.
2. Install surge protectors and surge protectors.
Line filters protect appliances from short power surges. It’s an affordable and easy way to minimize risks for low-powered devices like TVs or computers.
3. Consult an electrician.
A professional inspection of your home’s electrical system can help you identify weaknesses and fix them. You may need to upgrade your wiring or install heavy-duty circuit breakers.
4. Turn off appliances during thunderstorms.
If you expect severe thunderstorms, unplug appliances to avoid damage. This simple rule saves electronics from sudden power surges caused by lightning.
5. Check your home appliances regularly.
If you notice that an appliance is unstable after power surges, don’t delay in getting it diagnosed. The professionals at Trusted Appliance Repair in Red Deer can help you quickly determine the cause of the problem and get your appliance back up and running.
What should I do if my appliances have been affected by a power surge?
If your appliances stop working or start behaving strangely after a power surge, it is important to take action quickly:
- Unplug the device to avoid further damage.
- Do not attempt to repair the device yourself, especially if it is a complex device with electronic components.
- Contact a specialist who will carry out professional diagnostics and repair.
Trusted Appliance Repair in Red Deer is a team of skilled craftsmen who have extensive experience working with many different types of appliances. They will not only help eliminate the effects of power surges, but also offer recommendations to protect your appliances in the future.
Conclusion
Power surges are a serious threat to home appliances that can lead to costly breakdowns. However, with the right precautions and timely maintenance, you can minimize the risks.
Remember, taking care of your appliances is not only about saving money, but also about ensuring that they work safely and efficiently. If you’re dealing with the effects of power surges, trust the professionals at Trusted Appliance Repair in Red Deer. They can help restore your appliances and prevent similar problems in the future.