Coldwell Banker Realty - Framingham
Diane B. Sullivan, Coldwell Banker Realty - FraminghamPhone: (508) 561-1618
Email: [email protected]

Understanding & preventing damage from power surges at home

by Diane B. Sullivan 03/17/2025

Image text: Home safety guide power surges at home

A power surge in house electrical systems can cause damage both to your home and electronic devices. While power surges are not always possible to prevent, there are plenty of ways to limit the chance of damage in your home.

To help you learn more about power surges and your electrical system, here are some of the basics:

How do power surges cause damage?

Power surges happen when there is a sudden interruption and spike in electricity flowing to your home's electrical system. This can happen for a number of reasons, including lighting strikes and faulty power lines.

A power surge can cause damage by overloading the circuit breakers in your home. It can also damage electrical appliances plugged into the wall outlets. In some cases, a power surge can even cause sparks or fire. Power surge damage can be expensive to fix, as an electrical overload can affect multiple devices at once.

How to prevent power surges

A good method to safeguard your equipment is to unplug it when not in use. Many electrical devices have built-in surge protectors to mitigate the effects of a sudden burst of power. For everything else, you can use a power strip or wall outlet surge protector for extra safety.

Infographic: Power surges at home

You can also prevent damage from power surges by ensuring your home's electrical wiring is up to spec. Faulty wiring in the home poses a major risk, even without voltage spikes from an electrical surge. If you think you might have electrical issues in your home, consult a licensed electrician for advice and a professional safety inspection.

About the Author
Author

Diane B. Sullivan

Being a real estate agent in MetroWest Boston is more to me than just a profession or title– it is my legacy and life’s passion. Being raised in a real estate family, the industry is in my blood, and being a real estate professional has come naturally to me for the 39 years I’ve been in the business. 

While I have been made privy to real estate as far back as I can remember and am now a continually recognized top producer at Coldwell Banker Realty, I strive every day to not only meet all of my individual client's expectations but exceed them.