How to Protect Your Electronics During a Storm

Storms can cause strong winds, intense rain, and most worrisome of all, electrical surges and loss of power. These abrupt fluctuations in electrical current can inflict significant harm on your important electronics and devices. Whether it’s your computer, television, or smart home gadgets, electrical problems caused by storms can lead to expensive repairs or replacements. Luckily, there are multiple methods to safeguard your electronics and avoid storm damage. In certain situations, it may be essential to hire a qualified electrician or obtain an electrical repair service to guarantee that your home’s electrical system stays secure and effective.

Disconnect Devices Prior to the Arrival of the Storm

A straightforward and highly effective method to safeguard your electronics in a storm is by disconnecting them. Lightning strikes or power grid variations can create power surges that deliver a sudden local electrical shock through your wiring, harming any devices plugged into an outlet. Disconnecting devices like TVs, computers, gaming consoles, and kitchen appliances minimizes the likelihood of surge damage.

If a storm is approaching, routinely disconnect all non-essential devices. Nonetheless, if you often encounter unanticipated storms, you might consider obtaining extra protective measures that don't necessitate ongoing manual effort.

Employ Surge Protectors

Surge protectors are vital devices for protecting your electronic equipment from power surges. In contrast to regular power strips, surge protectors are engineered to intercept or reroute excessive electrical energy, stopping it from affecting your devices.

When selecting surge protectors, ensure you pick high-quality options with an appropriate joule rating (the higher the rating, the greater the protection provided). For essential devices such as your HVAC system, it might be wise to seek advice from a professional electrician at Mr. Electric regarding the installation of whole-house surge protection. This solution provides extensive protection, guaranteeing that all devices in your home are safeguarded during a storm.

Set Up a Backup Power Supply

Storms frequently cause power failures, disrupting your daily routine and harming delicate electronics. A backup power supply, like an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) or a generator, can ensure your critical devices function properly during power outages.

A UPS offers temporary electricity to devices such as computers and Wi-Fi routers, allowing you sufficient time to power them down properly. Conversely, a backup generator can supply electricity to your whole house for several hours or even days, based on the fuel availability. A skilled electrician can assist you in selecting and installing the appropriate generator for your residence, making sure you’re ready for any storm.

Arrange Inspections for the Electrical System

Storms may also inflict unseen harm on your home's electrical system, including frayed wires, broken outlets, or overloaded circuits. Routine evaluations by a qualified electrician can assist in detecting possible concerns before they escalate into significant problems. If you've gone through several storms and think your electrical system might be damaged, contacting an electrical repair service is a wise decision.

Experts can examine for faulty wiring, assess your breaker panel, and confirm that your residence is adequately grounded to manage upcoming surges. This forward-looking strategy can avert expensive repairs and improve the safety of your residence.Don’t wait until after a storm to take action—schedule an electrical repair service with Mr. Electric today to keep your electronics and home safe year-round.