Electrical storms can hit fast, sending power surges through your home that fry appliances and electronics. One of the easiest ways to protect your stuff is to use good surge protectors and unplug your valuables when a storm’s on the way. It’s a quick move that can spare you from headaches, repairs, or worse.
Want to go a step further? Upgrading your electrical system with storm-resistant gear is a smart call. The crew at Magnify Electric can set you up with whole-house surge protection and backup power, so you’re not left in the dark. Whether you need a simple fix or a full system check, we’re ready to help—homes and businesses both.
Understanding the Risks of Electrical Storms
Electrical storms bring more than just thunder—they can really mess with your home’s electronics. Lightning, sudden voltage spikes, and outages all threaten your appliances.
Common Threats to Home Appliances
During electrical storms, your appliances face a real risk: power surges. These happen when extra electricity rushes through your system, burning out circuits or frying delicate parts in TVs, computers, and fridges.
Bad wiring can make surges even worse. If you’re plugging things in without surge protection, you’re basically rolling the dice. Even a lamp or a simple phone charger isn’t immune.
Using surge protectors or a whole-house surge system can block these spikes. It’s a small investment that saves a lot of trouble.
How Lightning Strikes Affect Power Systems
Lightning is nasty business for power systems. When it hits a power line or even the ground nearby, it can send a huge electrical burst through your wiring.
That surge can travel fast, hitting your appliances and sometimes starting fires. Lightning can also knock out the main grid, leaving you powerless for hours.
If your home isn’t grounded properly or lacks surge protection, you’re at higher risk. Grounding lets that extra charge escape safely, instead of zapping your devices.
Recognizing Power Surges and Voltage Fluctuations
Power surges are quick but can leave lasting scars. They’re not just storm-related—sometimes it’s a big appliance switching on, or a hiccup in the lines.
Voltage fluctuations mess with your lights and electronics, making them flicker or reboot out of nowhere. If you notice these things happening, your system’s probably stressed out.
Surge protectors help you catch and block these blips before they fry your gear. Magnify Electric can help you figure out the right protection, whether you’re at home or running a business.
Essential Preparation Before a Storm
Getting ready for a storm? Protecting your electrical stuff should be high on your list. Disconnect sensitive electronics, check your system, and stash your portable devices somewhere safe.
Unplugging Sensitive Electronics
Before the sky gets wild, unplug anything fragile—computers, TVs, consoles, chargers. These are the first to go when a surge hits. Leaving them plugged in is just asking for trouble.
Don’t use outlets tied to big appliances during storms. Surge protectors help, but unplugging is safest. Make a quick checklist so you don’t miss anything important.
Pre-Storm Electrical System Inspection
Give your electrical system a once-over before storm season. Check for frayed wires, loose plugs, or sketchy outlets. Make sure your surge protectors and grounding are working.
If you spot anything weird, or just want peace of mind, give Magnify Electric a call. We handle everything from quick fixes to big upgrades.
Identifying Safe Storage for Portable Devices
Pick a dry, safe spot (not the basement!) to stash your phones, tablets, and other portables. Waterproof bags or containers aren’t a bad idea.
Keep batteries, chargers, and backup devices together so you’re not hunting for them after the storm. It’s a small thing that makes a big difference when you’re stressed.
Installing Protective Devices
Protecting appliances from storm damage starts with the right gear. These devices stop power spikes before they can fry your electronics. Getting proper protection can save you a lot of hassle.
Surge Protectors and Power Strips
Surge protectors aren’t just fancy power strips. They actually absorb extra electricity, keeping it away from your computers, TVs, and more.
Plug surge protector strips into grounded outlets, and use them for smaller stuff. Don’t trust them with big appliances like washers or dryers—they need special protection.
Replace surge protectors after a big hit or if they look worn out. They don’t last forever, even if they seem okay.
Whole-House Surge Protection
Whole-house surge protectors sit where electricity enters your home. They stop big surges—like from lightning or grid issues—before they get anywhere near your stuff.
If you live somewhere stormy, these are a lifesaver. Magnify Electric can install and maintain them, tailored to your needs. This extra layer keeps your wiring, appliances, and gadgets safer, and can save you a bundle after a storm.
Proper Circuit Breaker Maintenance
Your circuit breaker acts as your home’s bouncer during storms. It shuts things down if circuits overload or short out, stopping fires and damage.
Check your breaker panel for rust, burning smells, or stuck switches. Flip breakers every month or so to keep them loose.
Spread heavy appliances across different breakers to avoid overloads. If you notice breakers tripping a lot, get an electrician to take a look.
Magnify Electric can help with testing, repairs, or upgrades to keep things storm-ready. Regular checkups keep your system—and you—safer.
Best Practices During an Electrical Storm
When a storm’s raging, a few smart moves can protect your appliances. You’ll want to control your home’s electricity and keep an eye on the forecast. Sometimes it’s the simple stuff that really matters.
Keeping Appliances Unplugged
Unplugging is the gold standard for storm safety. Surges from lightning or outages can zap your devices in a flash—even if they’re off but still plugged in.
Focus on sensitive electronics: computers, TVs, kitchen gadgets. Don’t use wired stuff during the storm; it’s just not worth the risk. Surge protectors help, but unplugging is the sure bet.
Minimizing Electrical Usage
Using less electricity during a storm lowers the odds of circuit overloads. Skip the washer, dryer, or AC if you can. Less demand means less risk of surges.
Turn off lights and electronics you don’t need. If you must use something, plug it into a surge protector. Magnify Electric can set you up with the right protection for your place.
Monitoring Local Weather Alerts
Stay on top of weather alerts with a good app or local news. Knowing when a storm’s coming lets you act fast.
Alerts give you time to unplug, shut things down, and stay safe inside. Watch for warnings about lightning, winds, or flooding—those are big red flags for electrical trouble. If you’re not sure you’re ready, ask Magnify Electric for a quick checkup.
Post-Storm Safety Tips
After a storm, don’t just flip everything back on and hope for the best. Take a little time to check things out and avoid nasty surprises.
Checking Appliances for Damage
Start by giving your appliances a good look. Scorch marks, weird smells, or odd noises? Those are red flags that a surge or water got to them.
Unplug before you test anything. If you find problems, don’t try to fix it yourself—call a pro. That’s how you avoid bigger safety risks.
If any appliance was near water or heavy moisture, let an expert check it out before using it again. It’s better to be safe (and avoid buying a new fridge).
Resetting Electrical Systems Safely
Before you turn everything back on, check your breakers. Storms can trip them for a reason. Reset one at a time to avoid overloading.
If a breaker keeps tripping or you think there’s wiring damage, don’t push it. Call Magnify Electric for a full check. We’ll get your power back on safely and spot any hidden problems.
Remember to reset surge protectors and backup systems too. Keeping your electrical setup in shape is the best way to avoid fires or shocks down the line.
Magnify Electric’s always ready to help, whether it’s your home or business—storm or no storm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Knowing when to unplug, what to do with phones, and how surge protectors work can make all the difference during storms. Here’s what folks ask most:
Should you unplug your electronics before a thunderstorm?
Absolutely. Unplugging is the safest way to avoid surge damage. Surge protectors are good, but unplugging removes any risk of a surge sneaking through the lines.
Is it harmful to use a corded phone during a lightning event?
Yes, it’s risky. Lightning can travel through phone lines and zap you. Stick to cordless or mobile phones until the storm moves on.
Are surge protectors effective in safeguarding home appliances against lightning strikes?
Surge protectors help with small and medium surges, but a direct lightning hit is tough to stop. Use a quality surge protector and unplug devices if the storm looks rough.
What are some safety tips to follow with electronic devices when lightning is nearby?
Keep things unplugged and skip wired electronics. Stay away from water and metal, since they conduct electricity. Have your home’s wiring checked regularly to stay ahead of problems.
How can I continue to use my electronics safely during a severe thunderstorm?
If you really need to use electronics, try sticking with battery-powered gadgets or anything hooked up to a decent surge protector. Honestly, it’s best not to mess with plugging or unplugging things while the storm’s going—just to minimize shock risk.
What precautions should be taken with household electronics if caught in a thunderstorm while at home?
If a thunderstorm rolls in while you’re at home, it’s best to stay inside and, if you can, unplug your electronics. Turn off and disconnect big appliances—better safe than sorry, right? You might also want to have a licensed electrician, like someone from Magnify Electric, check out your electrical setup to make sure it can handle storms. Their crew knows their stuff when it comes to both homes and businesses, so you can worry a little less when the weather gets wild.