Voltage spikes can inflict extensive damage to your home’s lighting. Use these easy tips to protect it from power surges.
Use Surge Protectors
Surge protectors shield electronics plugged into them from unexpected voltage spikes that could damage sensitive components. These devices can redirect excess electricity away from your home’s lighting by sending the electricity into the ground or absorbing it.
Unplug Lights During Storms
Unplug lamps and other lighting fixtures during storms. Even with surge protectors, your lights may still be affected by lightning strikes and power surges. Rather than put them at risk, unplug them until the storm passes.
Switch to Surge-Resistant Bulbs
You can also replace the lightbulbs in your lamps, chandeliers, and other lighting fixtures with surge-resistant bulbs. They are designed to withstand sudden spikes in voltage that occur during power surges.
They also have built-in mechanisms that allow them to regulate electrical flow, preventing flickering and premature burnout. Some have emergency backup features like an internal battery that ensures they continue to provide light during power outages.
Avoid Overloading Circuits
Don’t plug too many lights into the same outlet. Too many lights plugged into the same circuit increase the risk of electrical stress. It also raises the risk of a power surge that could damage the lighting in your home.
Check the Wiring Regularly
Schedule one of our electricians to inspect the wiring in your home at least once a year. Regular inspections identify wires that are damaged or loose. Our electrician will repair or replace the wiring as needed to lower the risk of power surges.
Secure Outdoor Lighting
Secure any lighting outside your house to mitigate power surges. Use weather stripping, grounding rods, weatherproof enclosures, and metal oxide varistors (MOVs) to protect these fixtures from moisture, heat and wind and dissipate excess electricity.
Use a Power Conditioner
A power conditioner improves and regulates the quality of electrical power that goes to your home’s lighting. It smooths fluctuations in voltage, ensuring that the lights in your home receive a safe and steady flow of electricity. It also absorbs and redirects excess electricity from power surges, preventing damage to your lights and components.
A power conditioner additionally removes electrical interference that causes dimming and flickering from other electrical devices inside your home. It can help extend the lifespan of your lighting by reducing wear and tear on it.
New Lighting Installation
One of our experienced electricians can install new lighting in your home that works reliably. Contact The Electric Company about lighting installation services in Modesto, CA.
