Power surges and shorts are potentially dangerous electrical problems. Knowing the difference between them helps to know which safety measures to take. The San Luis Obispo electrician team from Electricraft, Inc. has some important information and safety steps to share.
What is a power surge?
A power surge is a sudden spike in voltage that is more than your building’s electrical system is designed to handle. For example, the normal voltage for most U.S. homes is 120 volts. Surges occur when the voltage jumps higher, usually for less than a second. Even though the surge is short, the extra energy pushed into wiring and electrical devices can cause damaging overloads.
Power surges can damage computers, TVs, and smart appliances. Repeated small surges are a sign that the electrical system needs professional attention. A powerful, single surge can overheat wiring and electrical components enough to start a fire.
What is a short circuit?
Also called a “short,” this occurs when electricity diverts from its normal flow to a shorter, unintended path. Plugging too many electrical devices into a circuit is an example of something that can cause an electrical short. A circuit is designed to handle a certain amount of power. Too many devices mean more electricity than the wiring can safely handle. Fortunately, the circuit breaker kicks in and stops the flow of electricity on that circuit, preventing more problems in most cases.
The high current that causes a short creates intense heat in wiring and other electrical components. The heat can melt insulation, damage outlets, and cause electrical fires. If you notice smoke, sparks, or a burning smell, the San Luis Obispo electricians advise you to immediately call 911 and cut off electrical power to the building.
There are a variety of things that can cause shorts, including too much reliance on extension cords, rodent activity, old wiring, water intrusion from leaks, and worn-out cords and plugs.
How are surges and shorts related?
Although different problems, they both have the potential to damage wiring and other components of the electrical system. They can both damage devices and appliances, and potentially start electrical fires.
Both have serious safety implications and can cause expensive damage.
How to prevent surges and shorts
The best way to prevent surges and shorts is to be sure the electrical system is in the appropriate condition to handle the required loads. An electrical inspection is in order for any of the following circumstances:
- Repeated breaker tripping incidents.
- Flickering lights.
- Burning smells, sparks, or smoke from outlets.
- Discoloration around outlets.
- Reliance on extension cords to power appliances and devices, contributing to circuit overloading.
- Water damage to walls from storm damage or plumbing leaks.
- An older building with an aging electrical system.
Schedule an electrical inspection as soon as possible.
Quality, local electrical services
The San Luis Obispo electricians from Electricraft have been delivering complete residential and commercial electrical services since 1984. The team provides electrical system design, installation, inspections, troubleshooting, new construction, repairs, and upgrades for:
- Residential electrical needs, including single-family, condos, apartments, rentals, new construction, housing tracts, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), detached garages, she-sheds, and backyard workshops and studios.
- Commercial and industrial electrical services meet the highest standards for all phases, including switches, sockets, light fittings, distribution boards, conduits and cabling systems, circuit protection, and more.
- Public works projects include sewer lift stations, potable water pump stations, municipal water treatment plants, electrical infrastructures, emergency standby generators, fiber optic and copper cabling, and much more.
- Emergency service and repair available 24/7.
The team has provided complete electrical and solar design and installation services for local governments, medical facilities, and public and private EV charging stations. From repairing an electrical circuit in a home to designing and installing complex electrical systems for a commercial campus, no job is too small or too large.
