What Are Power Surges & How To Protect Your Property
In upstate New York, power surges are more than just a nuisance. Between winter storms, summer lightning, and an aging electrical grid, homes in Rochester, Buffalo, and Syracuse face surge risks year-round. A sudden spike in voltage can damage appliances, destroy electronics, and, in some cases, create serious safety hazards.
Across the country, surges cost homeowners and businesses between $8 and $12.6 billion each year. Lightning-related events account for about $1 billion of that total. In New York, staying ahead of power surge protection isn’t just smart. It’s essential.
What is a Power Surge?
A power surge is a short burst of excessive voltage flowing through your home’s electrical system. Most homes are built to handle 120 volts. When that number suddenly jumps to 400, 1,000, or more, anything plugged in can be damaged in seconds.
Impacts
Financial: A surge can knock out computers, appliances, entertainment systems, and HVAC equipment. Replacing just one major item is costly. Multiple losses can be overwhelming.
Safety: Voltage spikes may overheat wiring or damage circuits, raising the risk of fire or electric shock.
Inconvenience: Losing key devices like Wi-Fi routers, home alarms, or sump pumps during a storm adds stress at the worst time.
Common Causes of Power Surges in Rochester, Syracuse & Buffalo
Power surges can come from outside the home or start within it. In upstate New York, these are the most frequent causes:
- Lightning Strikes: A strike near your property can send thousands of volts through nearby power lines.
- Utility Grid Changes: Restoring power after an outage often creates a sudden surge of voltage.
- Storm Damage: Ice, snow, and falling branches regularly impact power lines in suburban and rural areas.
- Large Appliances: High-demand equipment like dryers and air conditioners can create minor internal surges when they cycle on and off.
- Outdated Electrical Systems: Many homes in Buffalo and Rochester have older wiring or panels that struggle with today’s energy demands.
How to Protect Your Home from Power Surges
Whole-Home Surge Protection
Strong protection starts at your main electrical panel. A surge protective device, installed by a licensed professional, helps block or redirect excess voltage before it spreads through your home.
In Syracuse, where thunderstorms and winter storms are common, household power surge protection is a smart safeguard. Home Power Systems installs professional-grade surge protection devices designed for New York weather conditions.
Point-of-Use Surge Protectors
These include surge-rated power strips and plug-in devices. They are best for sensitive electronics like TVs, computers, and gaming systems. For Rochester homeowners with home offices or remote setups, point-of-use protection adds an important layer of defense.
Upgrade Electrical Wiring
If your home was built decades ago, its wiring may not meet today’s safety or energy standards. Upgrading wiring and panels improves performance and reduces the risk of internal surges. Buffalo, with many homes built before 1980, benefits greatly from these updates. Home Power Systems provides full rewiring and electrical panel upgrades when needed.
Install Backup Power Systems
When the power comes back after an outage, voltage swings can cause serious damage. A standby generator with surge control helps maintain system balance during restarts. This is especially useful in Syracuse, where ice and snow frequently lead to outages.
Regular Electrical Inspections
Hidden issues can pose real risks. An inspection checks your wiring, breakers, and outlets for early signs of trouble. In Rochester’s older neighborhoods, where electrical systems may have been patched together over the years, inspections help avoid unexpected problems. Home Power Systems performs thorough evaluations tailored to your home’s layout and history.
How Home Power Systems Can Help
The best surge protection plans take your entire electrical system into account. That means more than just a few outlets or plug-in strips.
Whether you live in a century-old house in Buffalo or a newer build near Syracuse, our team helps tailor protection to your specific setup. We install surge protection at the panel level, upgrade wiring and panels, and provide full electrical evaluations with your home in mind.
If you're not sure what your house really needs, we will walk you through the options. There is no guesswork and no pressure, just real solutions from experienced professionals.
To get started, contact Home Power Systems and schedule a consultation.
Power Surge FAQs
What is a power surge?
A power surge is a brief spike in voltage that can damage or destroy electronics and appliances.
What causes power surges?
Surges are commonly caused by lightning strikes, utility switching, storm damage, large appliances, or outdated wiring.
Are all power strips surge protectors?
No. Only power strips labeled as surge protectors offer real protection. Always check before plugging in valuable equipment.
Can a power surge damage a PC?
Yes. Voltage spikes can ruin internal components, especially the power supply and motherboard.
Be Prepared With Home Power Systems of New York
Power surges are common in New York, and they are costly. In areas like Rochester, Buffalo, and Syracuse, where weather events and grid issues are frequent, surge protection should be part of every homeowner’s electrical plan.
Home Power Systems offers the equipment, expertise, and local insight to help protect what matters most. From surge protection devices to wiring upgrades and inspections, we help you stay ahead of the next power disruption.
