I have a confession to make. A recent glitch in my domestic energy matrix cost me dearly – taking out my home computer’s hard-drive mid-blog, and erasing some of the essential data and documents I had not yet backed up. And I had no surge protection.
As well as causing me to miss my deadline, this power blackout of just a couple of seconds cost me dearly. So I’m sharing my recent experience with you as a cautionary tale.
READ MORE: Is your home electrical switchboard a fire risk?
My advice? It’s never too soon to do an audit of your home surge protection system.
What is a power surge?
A power surge is a spike in voltage significantly above the designated flow. So while the standard voltage supply in your home is likely 240volts, issues such as lighting strike can spark a massive surge of over-voltage power to course through your power supply.
These spikes are one of the most common causes of premature equipment failure and data loss. They also significantly cut the expected lifespan of your expensive appliances, thanks to the damage caused.
Are my appliances at risk without surge protection?
The short answer is yes. If you own an appliance powered by a microprocessor, then I’m afraid to tell you that you are at risk. And let’s face it, our homes are now packed with such devices, including:
- Computers
- Fridges
- Televisions
- Home Heating & Cooling systems
- Ovens
- Washers/Dryers
- Home security and alarm systems
- Telephones
So ask yourself, if a powerful spike was to hit your home today, what would you stand to lose?
How can I protect my home appliances from a power surge?
It’s pretty simple really. Don’t be caught high and dry like I was – and especially don’t put your faith in a power surge protector board, which did diddly-squat when it came to protecting my computer.
It’s better to invest in a whole-house surge diverter, which will capture any voltage spike in the wiring and prevent it reaching your home’s electrical equipment or appliances.
Unlike the power boards, which don’t offer much protection for electrical issues, whole-house surge protectors act as a first line of defence.
Today’s whole-house surge protectors can be installed at your branch panel. This connects directly to a dual-pole breaker and guards all your circuit panels – ensuring only safe electrical currents flow to your household devices.
Please call Plum Electrical today!
Why not save yourself the headache of shopping around for a reliable electrician you can trust, and come straight to Plum Electrical.
Your family’s health and safety come first and when it comes to anything electrical, you need to know that you are in the safest hands in the electrical business.
Please give our friendly, award-winning customer service team a call on (03) 8851-6111 in Melbourne, or (03) 5292-2219 in Geelong, for all things electrical in your home.
We promise you, we’ll do a Plum job every time!