Power Surges and Surge Protection

What Is a Power Surge?

A power surge is a sudden increase in electrical voltage above the normal operating level of your system. While it may last only a fraction of a second, the damage it causes can be permanent.

Many people associate surges with lightning. Lightning can cause them, but most power surges happen during everyday operation.

What Causes Power Surges?

Power surges can originate from outside or inside your building.

External Causes

• Lightning strikes
• Utility grid switching
• Power outages and service restoration

Internal Causes

• HVAC systems cycling on and off
• Refrigeration units and pumps
• Industrial or commercial equipment
• Poor grounding or ageing wiring

Internal surges are more common than most people realise.

Why Power Surges Are a Serious Risk

Surge damage is rarely dramatic. Equipment usually does not fail instantly. Instead, internal components slowly degrade over time.

This shortens the lifespan of:

• Computers and servers
• Networking equipment
• Security systems
• Automation and control panels
• Appliances and electronics

When devices fail early, surge damage is often the hidden cause.

For businesses, this means unexpected downtime and replacement costs.
For homeowners, it means replacing electronics sooner than necessary.

What Is Surge Protection?

Surge protection devices are installed to divert excess voltage safely to ground before it reaches sensitive equipment.

There are two primary layers of protection:

Whole-Panel Surge Protection

Installed directly at your electrical panel. This protects the entire electrical system from large voltage spikes.

Point-of-Use Surge Protection

Surge protectors installed at outlets for individual devices such as computers, TVs, and networking equipment.

The most effective protection uses both.

Electrical Wizard’s Approach

At Electrical Wizard, we assess:

• Your electrical panel
• Grounding and bonding
• Existing surge protection
• The level of risk based on your equipment

We install properly rated, code-compliant surge protection designed for your specific home or commercial environment.

Surge protection is not an upgrade. It is preventative protection for your electrical investment.

Protect Your System Before Failure Forces the Issue

If your panel does not include surge protection, your property is exposed.

Contact Electrical Wizard today to schedule a professional surge protection assessment and installation.

Protect your equipment. Protect your investment. Install it properly.