How To Protect Your TV From Electrical Surges
For homeowners in Pittsburgh, protecting your television and other electronics from electrical surges is a critical step in ensuring the longevity of your devices. With Pennsylvania’s unpredictable weather, including thunderstorms, high winds, and sudden power outages, surge protection is more important than ever. Electrical surges can happen without warning and cause irreversible damage to your television, resulting in costly repairs or even the need for a full replacement. In this article, we’ll explore the causes of electrical surges, how they can impact your TV, and the steps you can take to protect your valuable electronics.
Answering The Question: How To Protect Your TV From Electrical Surges?
Common Causes of Electrical Surges
- Lightning Strikes Pittsburgh is no stranger to thunderstorms, and with those come the potential for lightning strikes. While not a frequent occurrence, when lightning strikes a nearby power line or your home, it can send an overwhelming surge of electricity through your electrical system. This is one of the most destructive types of power surges and can fry your TV and other electronics in an instant.
- Power Outages Sudden power outages, which can happen due to equipment failure, accidents, or storms, often lead to electrical surges when power is restored. The sudden rush of electricity after an outage can cause damage if your devices aren’t properly protected.
- Faulty Wiring In Pittsburgh, many homes, especially older ones, may have outdated or faulty wiring. Damaged or poor-quality wiring can contribute to electrical surges. Even if your home was built more recently, if the electrical system wasn’t properly installed or maintained, it can still lead to issues.
- High-Power Appliances Large appliances like refrigerators, air conditioners, or washers and dryers can cause small power surges when they cycle on and off. These mini-surges may not be as powerful as those caused by lightning or power outages, but over time, they can weaken your TV and other electronics, reducing their lifespan.
How Surges Affect Your TV
The impact of an electrical surge on your TV depends on the strength of the surge and the protective measures you have in place. A small surge may simply cause your TV to flicker or turn off momentarily, while a more powerful surge can destroy its internal components.
Common effects of electrical surges on televisions include:
- Fried Circuit Boards Televisions contain sensitive electronics, particularly in their circuit boards, which are responsible for controlling various functions. A large surge can cause these circuits to burn out, making it impossible for the TV to function.
- Damaged Power Supply The power supply unit in your TV converts the electricity from your home into the right format for your television to use. A strong surge can damage this component, preventing your TV from powering on or charging properly.
- Pixel Damage For flat-screen TVs, a significant surge can cause damage to the pixels on the screen, leading to dead pixels, discoloration, or a completely blank screen.
- Reduced Lifespan Even if a surge doesn’t cause immediate, noticeable damage, repeated exposure to small surges can gradually degrade your TV’s components, leading to a shortened lifespan.
Ways to Protect Your TV from Electrical Surges
While electrical surges are largely unpredictable, there are several steps Pittsburgh homeowners can take to protect their televisions and other valuable electronics from damage.
1. Use a Surge Protector
The simplest and most affordable way to protect your TV from electrical surges is by using a high-quality surge protector. Surge protectors are power strips that have built-in mechanisms to divert excess voltage away from your electronics. However, it’s important to note that not all power strips provide surge protection, so be sure to choose one that specifically advertises this feature. When shopping for a surge protector, look for one with a high joule rating, which indicates how much energy the protector can absorb. The higher the joule rating, the more protection it offers.
2. Invest in a Whole-Home Surge Protector
For more comprehensive protection, consider having a whole-home surge protector installed. Unlike individual surge protectors, which only protect the devices plugged into them, a whole-home surge protector is installed directly into your electrical panel and safeguards your entire home’s electrical system. This type of system is particularly useful for protecting against larger surges caused by lightning or power outages. It will ensure that all of your home’s electronics, from your TV to your refrigerator, are shielded from damaging surges.
3. Unplug Your TV During Storms
If you know a storm is approaching or if your power is acting unpredictably, one of the simplest protective measures you can take is to unplug your television. While this won’t be feasible for daily use, it can help you avoid damage from larger surges caused by lightning strikes or power outages.
4. Maintain Your Electrical System
Faulty wiring and an overloaded electrical system can contribute to the likelihood of surges. By scheduling regular inspections with a licensed electrician in Pittsburgh, you can ensure that your home’s wiring is in good condition and capable of handling the electrical demands of your household.
5. Install a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)
A UPS device provides backup battery power to your television and other electronics in case of a power outage. In addition to giving you time to safely shut down your devices, most UPS systems also offer surge protection. This is an especially useful option if you live in an area prone to frequent outages or brownouts.
Contact Waldron Electric For Surge Protection Services In Pittsburgh, PA
If you’re looking to protect your television and other electronics from electrical surges, Waldron Electric is here to help. We specialize in providing Pittsburgh residents with expert surge protection solutions, including the installation of whole-home surge protectors and the inspection of your electrical system for potential issues. Our team of licensed and experienced electricians will work with you to develop a surge protection plan that fits your home’s specific needs. Whether you need assistance choosing the right surge protector for your TV or want to safeguard your entire home from unexpected electrical surges, Waldron Electric has you covered. Don’t wait until it’s too late—contact Waldron Electric today to schedule an appointment and ensure your home is protected from electrical surges. Protect your electronics and enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is secure from electrical surges.
