Tips to Prevent Damage to Electronics
The disruption of electrical service can create costly damage to your electronics. Whether it’s lightning from a thunderstorm, the strong winds or the heavy snows of a blizzard, or too much pull of electricity during hot summer months- Mother Nature can cause blackouts, brownouts, and other electrical disruptions.
While you can’t control the weather, you can safeguard your valuable appliances and electronics against the threat of a power disruption. Following these tips can save time and potentially expensive replacement costs.
Power Down and Unplug
Whenever a storm approaches, take the time to go through your home to turn off and unplug small electronics and appliances. Lightning can enter your house through the wiring and disconnecting them from their power source will protect them from damage. If you notice signs of a brownout once the storm hits, such as a prolonged dimming of lights, your refrigerator’s motor might have difficulty operating in this low-voltage situation. Don’t risk touching the plug or outlet during the storm.
Purchase Surge Protectors
Think of surge protectors as inexpensive insurance for your electronic items. If you have a $1,000 television, it’s worth investing a few more bucks in a UL-listed surge protector. The same goes for any expensive electronic devices you own.
Back-up Your Computer Power
If the power goes out while you’re working on a desktop computer, you risk losing everything that wasn’t saved. An uninterruptible power source (UPS) gives you a “grace period” of five to seven minutes of reliable power to save all your work and shut down properly. A more expensive alternative is to replace your desktop computer with a laptop. If you keep the battery charged, you’ll have plenty of time to save your work in the event of a power outage.
Invest in a Generator and Use it Wisely
Portable generators can be a great solution during a blackout. Unfortunately, if one is connected to the main power supply of your home when the power comes back, your generator can be destroyed. When running a generator, turn off your main breaker to disconnect from the electric utility. Remember to unplug the generator before turning the main breaker back on.
These tips can help reduce damage is to appliances inside your home. If you do experience storm damage to your house, remember that the professionals of Thompson Building Associates are here to help with your clean-up and restoration.
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