Blog Protecting Your Home from Power Surges: Tips and Tricks from Ryan Crowley Oct 11, 2025

Understanding how to protect your home from power surges can save you from potential damage and costly repairs. As a trusted Journeyman Electrician, Ryan Crowley is committed to helping homeowners safeguard their electrical systems. In this blog, we will explore practical tips and tricks for preventing power surges, ensuring that your home remains safe and your appliances in good working condition.

Power surges are sudden increases in voltage that can damage or destroy electrical devices in your home. These surges can be caused by a variety of factors, including lightning strikes, power outages, and malfunctioning appliances. While some power surges are unavoidable, understanding how to minimize their impact is essential.

One of the most effective ways to protect your home from power surges is to install whole-house surge protectors. These devices are installed at your electrical panel and are designed to block or redirect excessive voltage before it can reach your appliances. By investing in a whole-house surge protector, you are ensuring a first line of defense against potential electrical damage.

In addition to whole-house surge protectors, utilizing point-of-use surge protectors can offer an additional layer of protection. These are the familiar power strip surge protectors that plug into your wall outlets. They can be particularly useful for protecting individual devices or groups of devices, such as your television, computer, or home theater system. When choosing a point-of-use surge protector, look for ones with a high joule rating, as this indicates a higher capacity for absorbing electrical surges.

Another useful tip is to regularly inspect your home's wiring. Faulty wiring can increase the likelihood of a power surge causing significant damage. Signs of wiring issues may include flickering lights, buzzing sounds from outlets, or frequent circuit breaker trips. If you notice any of these warning signs, contact Ryan Crowley to conduct a professional inspection and make necessary repairs.

Ensuring your electrical system is up to date is another way to prevent power surges. Older homes, in particular, may have outdated wiring or electrical panels that struggle to cope with the modern demands of today's appliances. Upgrading your electrical panel to accommodate new circuits and loads can significantly reduce the risk of power surges.

It is also important to be aware of the impact of lightning strikes, which can cause severe power surges. If you live in an area prone to thunderstorms, consider enhancing your home’s defense by installing a lightning arrestor. This device can prevent a lightning surge from traveling through your home’s electrical system, potentially saving your appliances and electronics from destruction.

Educating yourself on the safe use of appliances can further aid in surge prevention. Avoid overloading circuits by unplugging devices you are not using, especially during a storm. This simple action reduces the number of entry points for a power surge.

Finally, if you experience frequent power surges, check with your local utility company to ensure there are no recurring issues with the power lines in your area. They might help identify and resolve larger problems affecting your home’s electrical stability.

Protecting your home from power surges involves a combination of strategies designed to prevent damage and promote electrical safety. With these tips and tricks from Ryan Crowley, Journeyman Electrician, you can fortify your home against unexpected voltage spikes, ensuring peace of mind and longevity for your electrical devices.