Power Surges: Causes and How to Protect Your Electrical Appliances

If you live in Kenya, you probably know how frustrating it can be to deal with power outages and fluctuations. Not only do they disrupt your work and entertainment, but they can also damage your expensive electronics including kitchen appliances, TVs, computers, etc. In this article, you will learn about the causes of power surges and how you can prevent them from damaging your appliances.

What is a Power Surge and How Does it Damage Your Appliances?

A power surge is a sudden and temporary increase or decrease in the voltage and current in the electrical system. It can last for a few milliseconds or seconds, but it can have devastating effects on your appliances. It can increase and exceed the standard 240 volts, causing overheating, melting, burning, or short-circuiting of the electronic components and circuit boards of your devices. This can cause permanent damage, reduced performance, or data loss. In extreme cases, power surges can even cause electrical fires.

The extent of the damage depends on the type and quality of your appliance, as well as the intensity and duration of the power surge. Some devices have built-in surge protection features, such as fuses or circuit breakers, that can prevent or minimize the damage. However, these features are not always reliable or sufficient to protect your device from all kinds of power surges.

What are the Main Causes of Power Surges in Kenya?

Power surges can be caused by internal or external factors. Some of the common causes of power surges in Kenya are:

• Turning on or off high-power appliances, such as air conditioners, refrigerators, microwaves, or washing machines. These appliances can draw a lot of current from the electrical system, creating a sudden drop or rise in voltage.
• Faulty wiring, outlets, switches, or circuit breakers: These can create sparks or arcs that can generate high voltages or currents.
• Lightning strikes near your home or building: Lightning can send a massive surge of electricity through the power lines and into your appliance.
• Power outages or blackouts: When the power supply is interrupted or restored, it can create voltage fluctuations or spikes.
• Power line damage or interference: When the power lines are damaged by storms, animals, accidents, vandalism, or construction work, it can create voltage fluctuations or spikes.

How to Protect Your Appliances from Power Surges 

There are several ways to prevent power surges from damaging your appliances. These include:

1. Use a surge protector

Surge protectors are devices that plug into your wall outlets and filter out the excess voltage from reaching your appliance. Some of them have a joule rating that indicates how much energy they can absorb. They also have a protected LED that shows whether they are working properly or not. You should choose a surge protector with a high joule rating and a protected LED for each device you want to protect. Also, remember to replace your surge protector when it wears out or stops working.

2. Use Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPSs) 

UPSs are devices that provide backup power to your appliances in case of a power outage or protect your devices from power surges. They have rechargeable batteries that store and supply power when the main source fails. You should choose a UPS with enough capacity and runtime to support your devices during a power outage or a power surge.

3. Check your wiring and plugs 

Another way to protect your appliances from power surges is checking your wiring and plugs regularly for any signs of damage or loose connections. Look for any visible signs of damage, such as frayed or exposed wires, cracked or broken plugs, and loose or missing screws. Make sure the plugs fit perfectly into the sockets and do not wobble or fall out easily. If you notice any problems with your wiring or plugs, look for a qualified electrician to fix them.