Types of Overvoltages That Can Damage Your Home

Overvoltage is a major risk to your home's electrical system, which powers your electrical devices and electrical appliances. It can be caused by things like lightning strikes or problems with the power grid. A sudden surge in electrical current can lead to sparks, fires, and damage to your wiring.

Modern electrical devices, like TVs and computers, and electrical appliances, such as refrigerators and washers, have sensitive microprocessors that can be damaged by overvoltage. Even your HVAC system can be affected.

At NextGen, we want to make sure that you understand overvoltage so you can take proper precautions to protect your home from costly damage. We also provide electrical solutions like home surge protectors. Generally, speaking a whole home surge protector is the best solution for preventing against a potentially catastrophic electrical event.  

Types of Overvoltages

There are multiple types of overvoltage scenarios, and each has a different set of challenges that homeowners must consider.

Transient Overvoltages (Voltage Spikes)

Transient overvoltages, or voltage spikes, are short but intense high-current, higher voltage surges of electricity (volts) that go beyond the normal levels in your home's electrical system. It’s like an electric shock. These spikes last only microseconds or milliseconds, but can cause significant damage.  

There are several sources of transient voltage spikes. For example, lightning strikes can cause massive surges in high-voltage power lines, which may damage connected electronics and appliances. Routine power grid switching by the power company can also generate transient voltage spikes that travel into homes through high-voltage transmission lines. 

Inside your home, large appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners can cause small surges when they turn on and off. While less powerful, these surges can still harm sensitive electronics if not properly managed.

Voltage spikes can seriously damage electrical devices like TVs, WiFi routers, computers, cell phones, and gaming consoles, leading to costly repairs or replacements. Appliances with electronic controls or microprocessors, such as modern refrigerators or ovens, are also at risk of malfunction or permanent damage.

In extreme cases, a large voltage surge can cause electrical arcing or overheating, creating a serious fire hazard within your home.

Temporary Overvoltages

Temporary overvoltages are periods when the voltage in your home's electrical system stays higher than normal for a few seconds to several minutes. While these surges last longer than transient overvoltages, they are not as intense.

They can be caused by problems in the electrical power grid, power transmission lines, or a transformer. Equipment failures or incorrect voltage regulation at substations can lead to surges that affect entire neighborhoods. Utility companies may also reduce voltage during high demand to prevent system overloads (brownouts), which can put strain on appliances designed for specific voltage levels.

Power system faults, like short circuits, can also cause temporary bursts of electrical energy until the problem is resolved.

Persistent Overvoltages

Persistent overvoltages are when the voltage in your home stays higher than normal for long periods, lasting hours, days, or more. Unlike brief transient or temporary overvoltages, alternating current from lower to higher voltage is more dangerous due to the extended exposure. 

Causes include improper utility regulation, faulty electrical engineering,  or loose neutral connections within your home. Over time, the persistent overvoltage puts extra strain on your appliances and electrical wiring, leading to multiple problems.

The long-term effects of persistent overvoltages can significantly shorten the lifespan of your electrical system and increase the risk of failure or damage to your home's electrical components.

Specific Risks to Your Home and Systems

Our homes have complex systems that keep us safe and comfortable, but overvoltage can seriously damage them due to their sensitive electronics.

Overvoltage can cause costly problems for HVAC systems, such as compressor failure, control board issues, and motor burnouts in fans or other parts. It also reduces the system's efficiency, leading to high energy costs over time.

In well systems, pump motors are vulnerable to damage or premature failure from excessive voltage. Modern plumbing fixtures with electronic controls are also at risk of malfunctions and breakdowns. Water heater elements and controls can fail or become inefficient.

In well systems, pump motors are vulnerable to damage or premature failure from excessive voltage. Modern plumbing fixtures with electronic controls are also at risk of malfunctions and breakdowns. Water heater elements and controls can fail or become inefficient.

Many homes are full of smart home devices that control everything from lamps to HVAC systems. They all rely on microprocessors, which are especially sensitive to overvoltage. Damage to these components can result in malfunctions or breakdowns.

Signs of Overvoltage Issues in the Home

Overvoltage problems can show up in several noticeable ways. Watch for these telltale signs:

• Are your lights flickering? Lights that flicker or dim often, especially when using large appliances, may indicate voltage instability or surges within your home’s electrical system.
• Are your circuit breakers frequently tripping? Overloaded circuits can cause breakers to trip, but if this happens frequently without a clear cause, it could be a sign of an overvoltage stressing the electrical system.
• Are your appliances failing prematurely? If appliances have regular glitches, make unusual noises, or premature breakdowns, it could be a sign of damage from overvoltage.
• Do you smell burning odors from outlets or appliances? A burning smell from outlets or appliances should never be ignored. This could indicate overheating or arcing due to excessive voltage, which is a potential fire hazard.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to address the underlying electrical problem.

Whole Home Surge Protectors Are the Answer

Electricians are your best defense against high-voltage issues.

Trained electricians can install whole-house surge protectors at the main electrical panel to safeguard against external surges and add individual surge protectors for sensitive electronics. Regular inspections by a licensed electrician can help spot potential issues and ensure proper grounding, which safely directs excess current away. They can also assess your electrical system's condition and recommend upgrades to handle modern demands and prevent overloads.

It's also important to protect HVAC and plumbing systems, using surge protectors specifically designed for them.

The Importance of Professional Intervention

Trying to fix electrical issues yourself may be tempting, but it can be risky and lead to electrocution, fire hazards, or long-term damage to your home's electrical system. Improper work can also result in code violations and void warranties.

Hiring a qualified electrician who understands your home’s electrical system ensures that the problem is accurately diagnosed and your electrical system is properly maintained. They can identify overvoltage issues and recommend solutions like surge protectors and grounding systems to protect your home and appliances.

Investing in professional electrical work can save money in the long run by preventing fires, appliance damage, and costly repairs. Plus, a well-maintained electrical system runs more efficiently, lowering energy costs.

When it comes to electrical work, safety and expertise are key. Working with a professional electrician ensures lasting protection and long-term savings.

Contact NEXGEN today for help with your electrical system!