4.  Lightning Arrester/Earthing System: These are devices used on electrical power systems and telecommunications systems to protect the insulation and conductors of the system from the damaging effects of lightning. The typical lightning arrester has a high voltage terminal and a ground terminal.

Unfortunately, over 90% don't know the importance of these devices as such, people ignorantly removed them during electrical installation so as to reduce cost most especially when electrical man has no clue about its Importance.

A structure without lightning arrester or Earthing system will be at the mercy of thunder strick and electronics seller.  Hence,  it's as a matter of priority very essential to have either lightning arrester or earthing system installed in every house.

5. Solar Inverter: This is a device that converts the variable direct current (DC) output of a photovoltaic (PV) solar panel or fixed (DC) from the battery into an utility frequency alternating current (AC) that can be fed into a commercial electrical grid or used by a local, off-grid electrical network to power our basic appliances.

6. POWER/ELECTRICAL SURGES: These are not something that you come by everyday but whenever it happens, it can be hazardous to your Electrical systems and appliances and that is why you should really know what it is and how to prevent your appliances from getting zapped by it.

An electrical surge is a transient wave of current, voltage or power in an electric circuit, system or installation. Well, in a layman’s term, electrical surge is a voltage disturbance or spike that just comes around, causing some serious problems in the electric circuitry and runs away in a few micro-seconds.

Power surges can damage your electrical outlets, fry your appliances and electronics and start dangerous electrical fires. Being conscious and proactive against the causes of power surges can potentially save your electronics devices and more importantly, your life.

Causes of Power Surges

1. Overloaded Outlets or Circuits:

Plugging in too many appliances or electronics in the same socket can lead to power surges and electrical fires. It can also be as a result of loads not evenly and properly shared in the circuit or even the whole load placed on a single circuit in the Distribution board. As such, overloading one outlet might not be the problem; but the circuit itself. These are mostly caused by in-experience electrician.

2. Damaged or Exposed Wiring:

Pesky rodent such as mice, rats and squirrels can chew the wire inside the walls of your house or building causing short circuiting of the supply. Damaged or exposed wires can cause power surges as a result of the flowing of electricity through the conductors.

During surge, the insulator shielding the wires from touching each other gets burnt due to the abnormal flow of voltage. The exposed wires should not be handled with hand as they can cause electrocution. Instead, consult an electrical professional who can test and replace the affected outlets and wires as needed to ensure safety.

3. Lightning Strikes:

Lightning from thunder can supply very high current from the electron cloud if not properly managed. That is why the cable electronic gadgets do not stand a chance against a power surge caused by lightning strikes, unless you are using a surge protector. During a severe storms however, it is best to switch off or shutdown and unplug your electrical and electronic gadgets and equipment to avoid spoilage of loss of data in business organization.

4. High Electrical Powered Devices:

High energy consuming appliances or machines like elevators, refrigerators and air conditioners, electric cookers and heaters can cause energy spikes and power surges. The reason is, when they are powered, they tend to draw an abnormally large amount of electricity and that excess power progresses throughout the circuit, overpowering other appliances and electronics in its path. When this happens, the lights start flickering or blinking off and on in the house or offices. Substandard electrical fittings such as socket outlets can also contribute to this damage.

5. Power Outages:

Momentarily, our bulbs get brighter the normal when it is first restored after a long power outage. However, the massive burst of energy that turns the power back for a whole neighborhood, town or state may lead to excess energy flowing through the lines which can triggers surge.

How to Protect Your Home or Business from Electrical Surges

• The easiest way is to be proactive.
• Protect your home by installing either Lightning/thunder arrester or Earthing system.
• You may also use individual surge protectors at the outlet levels in your home.
• Endeavor to use a good and standard materials most especially, the wiring and fitting systems
• Keep rodents away from your home.
• Contact an expert for any assistance.
• For more info., visit www.davijay.simdif.com