The CSRA experiences all types of weather extremes. From record-breaking freezes in the winter to thick humidity and last-second thunderstorms throughout the summertime. With all of these phenomena, but especially during those summer storms, you are at risk of experiencing power surges or even full blown power outages. Do you know how to ensure that your home, specifically your appliances, are protected year-round? How do you safely check your appliances after a power surge? When are they safe to use again? We will answer these questions and more in this blog.

What is a Power Surge?

First, let’s define what we mean by a power surge. Anker describes it as a “sudden and brief spike in electrical voltage that exceeds a normal flow of electricity in a circuit.” The spike can be caused by lightning from heavy storms, power outages, turning a high-powered device on and off, or even faulty wiring.

How To Tell If You Experienced A Power Surge

Power surges are not power outages. However, as mentioned above, a power outage can sometimes be accompanied by a power surge.

To know for sure if you have experienced a power surge, you can keep an eye out for a few different signs. First, did your lights flicker, dim, or buzz before fully going out or coming back to full power? If so, take a look at your outlets, especially ones that have major appliances plugged into them. Are they warm or vibrating? They should not be.

Whether your outlets are warm or not, do you see any scorch marks? If so, you likely experienced a power surge. The same goes for any visible wiring on your appliances or other plugged-in devices. Exposed or damaged wiring is already a safety hazard and should be addressed before you use the appliance again.

What Should You Do Immediately After a Power Surge?

So, if you think you have experienced a power surge… what can you do? First and foremost, if you see damaged wiring or if anything is hot, smoking, or sparking, do not touch it. Otherwise, you may want to unplug affected devices and appliances until you’re sure the power has stabilized.

This will give you a chance to assess any damage and check whether the surge tripped a circuit breaker. Remember to always use caution around electricity and call a professional if needed to avoid the risk of electrocution.

How to Check Your Appliances After the Surge

After checking for any general damage from a power surge, what are the next steps for your kitchen and laundry appliances? What exactly should you look for before you call for an appliance checkup?

Again, check for burn marks or frayed cords. Also, pay close attention to the plugs themselves to make sure they are not melted. If everything looks normal on the outside, pay attention to any unusual or burnt smells that could indicate internal damage.

If everything looks okay and power has stabilized, you can begin reconnecting your appliances and devices. Over the next few hours (or even the next few days), just keep a close watch on everything. If you begin to hear unusual noises, smell unusual smells, or things just aren’t working as they should, it may be time to call an appliance repair professional to see what is going on.

How to Protect Your Appliances from Future Power Surges

How can you protect your refrigerator, ice maker, dishwasher, or even your dryer from a power surge?

There are a few ways you can protect yourself from the financial stress and frustration of power surge damage. One option is to install a whole-house surge protection system. This is when a surge protector is installed straight on your electrical panel. It helps limit excess voltage before it reaches the appliances and electronics throughout your home.

If you are able, you can also unplug devices when you know storms are coming. Even if you use surge protectors, unplugging devices when it’s safe to do so can provide an additional layer of protection. Avoid overloading outlets or power strips, and always follow the manufacturer’s electrical requirements for major appliances. An overloaded circuit can be a fire hazard on its own.

When You Should Call Premier Appliance of Augusta

The summer storms we get here in Augusta, Georgia make power surges a common occurrence. Knowing what to look for in your appliances and how to fight back against these surges can help you prevent further damage, saving you time, money, and stress.

If you live in Augusta, Evans, Martinez, or the surrounding area and suspect that one of your kitchen or laundry appliances were recently affected by a power surge, give Premier Appliance a call. We are happy to inspect and diagnose the problem before it becomes a larger repair.