How to Protect Your Electronics from Power Surges

You plug in your TV, computer, or gaming console — and trust it’ll work safely. But all it takes is one power surge to fry your devices in a split second. Power surges are more common than most people think, and many homeowners don't realize their expensive electronics are unprotected. Here’s how to guard your home and gear from silent electrical threats.

What Is a Power Surge?

A power surge is a sudden spike in voltage that flows through your electrical system.
While the standard U.S. voltage is around 120 volts, a surge can push that up to 1,000–6,000 volts for a fraction of a second — enough to destroy sensitive components.

Common Causes of Power Surges

• ⚡ Lightning strikes (even miles away)
• 🌀 Utility grid switching or outages
• 🔌 Large appliances turning on/off (like fridges, AC units, or dryers)
• 🛠️ Faulty wiring or outdated electrical panels

What Gets Damaged?

Power surges can damage or destroy:

• TVs, computers, gaming consoles
• Wi-Fi routers and smart home devices
• Phone chargers and battery backups
• Refrigerators, dishwashers, and microwaves
• LED bulbs and dimmer switches

How to Protect Your Home & Devices

1. Use Quality Surge Protectors (Not Just Power Strips)

➡️ Look for UL-listed surge protectors with a joule rating of 1000+
➡️ Replace them every 3–5 years or after a major surge

2. Install Whole-Home Surge Protection

➡️ A licensed electrician can install a device directly at your breaker panel
➡️ Protects everything in your home — not just what’s plugged into a surge strip

3. Use Dedicated Circuits for Large Appliances

➡️ Prevents heavy appliances from interfering with delicate electronics

4. Ground Your Electrical System Properly

➡️ An ungrounded home is more vulnerable to surges — especially in older homes

5. Unplug During Storms (Bonus Tip)

➡️ If lightning is nearby and you’re not using the device, unplug it — that’s 100% protection.

Final Thought: Surge Protection Isn’t Optional Anymore

With more tech in our homes than ever before, protecting it shouldn’t be an afterthought. A $50 surge protector or a $300 panel upgrade is a small investment compared to replacing a $2,000 TV or $5,000 HVAC system.