Power Surge: How to Handle Power Surge At Home? | Most Searched Products

A power surge is an unexpected wave where the power is briefly interrupted and upon resumption of power flow excessive power goes through to the appliances. This could happen due to various issues like.

• Overworked Circuits
• Uncovered and Damaged Wires
• Power Cut
• Huge Electrical Appliances

These are several reasons that can cause a power surge. To avoid such a situation it is necessary to have proper electrical fitting in the home and a regular check-up and change are advised to not only avoid power surge but also to avert any big accident.

Here is a list of all that may need to avert a power surge situation:

Step 1: Check for old or damaged wiring

Wires are the nerves of the entire electricity plan of your house. They deliver power to appliances and take back the power. Over time, with everyday use, the wires tend to break or get loose, leading to situations such as power surge, short circuit, and at times, damaged wires catch fire. One of the most common reasons for power surge is old, damaged, and broken wires. If you suspect that wires in your house are getting old and are breaking frequently then it is time to switch to new wires.

It is advisable to go for fire-resistant, rodent-protected, and high insulation resistance wires.

Step 2: Worn out circuit breakers

Circuit breakers follow a simple fail-safe mechanism to protect heavy appliances such as ACs, TVs, and refrigerators. They work on the mantra that whenever there is a power surge due to an overload, a switch on these circuit breakers will go off, cutting the excessive supply to the appliances. However, if your circuit breaker is worn out then it may even switch off the normal power supply and may not work satisfactorily during a power surge.

Circuit breakers are important in modern households to control power surges and protect heavy appliances. It is advisable to discuss with the electrician which circuit breaker would be suitable.

Buy circuit breakers here:

Step 3: Protecting Powerful Electronics

A voltage stabilizer stabilizes and ensures a constant supply of power to heavy appliances such as ACs, TVs, Refrigerators, and other heavy equipment. Regardless of power input, it gives constant power to appliances. Irregular power supply damages the internal components of electronics making them useless. It is advisable to have a power stabilizer for ACs which do not have built-in stabilizers.

Read more from our guide on how to buy stabilizers:

Step 4: Go For Overall Protection Of Household Appliances

A whole-house power surge is highly recommended if you have frequent power cuts and excessive power surges. They work for everything in the house and follow the same mechanism as circuit breakers. It works by pulling current from one outlet to another. There is no real reason to not buy the surge protector. This is highly suitable for areas that receive thunderstorms, cyclone/typhoon vulnerable areas, and areas that are more susceptible to floods.

1. What happens to appliances during the power surge?
   Excessive power can cause damage to the internal components of the appliances
2. Is having a power backup important in my house?
   If you live in a residential complex or a society then your society must have a backup generator fitted to support all houses. If you have an independent floor then it is advisable to have backup power unit.
3. Why wouldn’t my power stop fluctuating?
   This is down to the power being drawn. Let the power stabilize and fluctuations will slowly subside.

DISCLAIMER: The Times of India’s journalists were not involved in the production of this article.