KW Success Realty
April Davis, KW Success Realty Phone: (850) 774-7221
Email: [email protected]

What homeowners should know about power surges at home

by April Davis 04/03/2025

Every homeowner should be aware of when and how a power surge in house electrical systems can occur. 

While some causes are beyond our control, the more prepared you are for the possibility of the occasional power surge, the better you can mitigate any possible damage or hazards.

Here is some of the most important info to know about power surges to make sure you're prepared to handle them:

What causes power surges?

Power surges happen whenever there is an interruption or sudden increase in the flow of electricity. The main causes of a power surge include:

  • Electrical overload caused by drawing too much power from one circuit.
  • Faulty wiring.
  • Lightning strikes.
  • Power outages or blackouts.

How do power surges cause damage?

While many modern electronic devices and appliances have built-in surge protection, a power surge can still damage them or your home's systems. 

A sudden increase in voltage can overheat and damage the circuits inside electrical components, rendering them unusable. Sometimes, these circuits can be fixed or replaced, but other times the damage is irreparable.

Power surges can also have more serious effects, like causing fire or deadly electric shock. They can cause damage to your HVAC system and electrical outlets, which should be addressed by a licensed professional.

Does insurance cover power surge damage?

Homeowners insurance policies with personal property coverage will typically cover the costs of damages from power surges, but only if the cause is a lightning strike or excessive voltage from an external source. 

Damage resulting from faulty wiring or unsafe outlet use may not be covered.

How can I prevent power surges at home?

Some of the best ways to prevent power surges at home are:

  • Unplugging electric devices when not in use.
  • Avoid overusing extension cords or plugging too many devices into a single outlet.
  • Always use surge protectors, especially for vulnerable devices like computers.
  • Upgrade your home's outlets to newer models with built-in surge protectors.
  • Have your home's electrical system checked by a licensed electrician to identify any faulty wiring.

Unfortunately, sudden voltage spikes from an electrical provider or a nearby lightning strike cannot always be predicted or prevented. However, with the right knowledge and preparation, you can significantly reduce your chance of power surge-related damage at home. 

About the Author
Author

April Davis

Congratulations!! You have found The Agent who truly believes in treating others the way she would want to be treated. I was NOT born a Bay County resident; I'm a transplant from Georgia. This actually gives me a bit of an edge in seeing things through the vision of a newcomer. This edge is the fact that I've done all the research and traveling to find the attractions, benefits, events and a wealth of other information most new arrivals to beautiful Bay County are seeking to find. I will walk that mile (or more) with YOU to find YOUR IDEAL IMAGE HOME. Although each of us has different wishes for our homes, we can all agree that we want it to be "A place of refuge, comfort, hope, memories and happiness". I know Bay County extensively and I'm familiar with being in the military "family". I am an extremely proud Retired Air Force spouse. My motto as your agent is: "It is my mission to treat YOU as I would desire to be treated". I would like to help you with full integrity, on a timely basis and with positively your best interest at heart. If you are currently a Bay County resident and wish to sell or purchase a home, please consider my services as well...because; that same integrity used for newcomers will be exactly the same for locals!