Common Electrical Woes of a Nebraska Storm Season
The aftermath of a spring thunderstorm has been known to put your home in the dark, with lights flickering. One can only wonder what the wind and lightning are up to with the wiring behind the walls, or be fed up with having to guess if an appliance was done in by a power surge.
For those in Southeast Nebraska, storm season is no stranger to rough treatment. Ambition Electric has 20 years under our belt of putting right the electrical issues that storms bring for homeowners and businesses in Lincoln, Martell, Crete, Seward, Beatrice, York and beyond. Put in a call to (402) 665-4650 to speak with a certified electrician from our office about your property.
You would not expect Nebraska weather to be any less than it is. The combination of hail, heavy rain, lightning and high winds takes its toll on the electrical systems of our homes and businesses. We have put together some of the problems we come across most often and how to handle them.
Lightning and the Power Surges it Brings
There is no greater threat to your system in a storm than lightning. Should a power line be struck, the resulting voltage will make its way into your home without regard for what you have plugged in.
A surge of that nature can wreck:
- Your television or computer
- Kitchen appliances like a microwave
- Refrigerators, freezers, HVAC and furnaces
- Chargers and anything in the way of smart home tech
- The very wiring in your walls
It is all too common for people to miss the signs of such damage. You might think an appliance is fine until it gives out a few weeks down the road. Have an electrician take a look if you think a surge has been at your home; better to do that than let a minor issue get out of hand.
Outages and Downed Lines
When ice or the wind takes down a power line, an outage can be hours or days in the making. Then there is the matter of when the power is restored, the abruptness of it can put your system under a second strain.
Do not go near a downed line. Make the assumption it is live and hazardous, put some distance between yourself and it and notify your utility company.
Electrical Components and Water Damage
Nebraska rains have a way of getting where they should not be. Pooling water at an outdoor outlet, a roof leak or a basement that has flooded present real hazards. Electricity and water do not mix well. Refrain from touching anything or flipping breakers if there has been exposure to water, leave it to a professional.
After the storm has passed, be on the lookout for:
- Switches or outlets with a damp or warm feel
- Any rust or corrosion on the parts
- A burning odor in the vicinity of the panel
- Breakers wont stop tripping
- Lights that just will not stop their flickering
Overloaded Circuits and Tripped Breakers
Families tend to have more things running during storm season, sump pumps, backup fans, space heaters and so on. Throw in a surge and the breakers will trip with some frequency.
Now and then a breaker will do its job and trip. But a pattern of it means there is something amiss, perhaps damaged wiring or an overloaded circuit that calls for some attention.
Problems with Backup Power and Generators
Many in Nebraska turn to a generator in the event of an outage. Yet one that has not been wired properly is a danger to the family as well as the utility men coming to restore service. See to it that a licensed electrician has put in and given his inspection to your backup power.
Preparing for What is to Come
Some forethought is advisable. Be it whole-home surge protection, a new panel or a system that is grounded as it should be, these things will see your home through whatever comes out of the sky. An inspection ahead of storm season is a good idea.
We are a locally owned, insured and licensed operation here at Ambition Electric with certified, seasoned electricians on staff. Our 100% satisfaction guarantee is no empty promise and we will not waver from the price quoted. We extend a discount to law enforcement and military and will give you a free estimate so there are no surprises.
Monday to Friday we are open 8:00am to 6:00pm, though for an emergency we are on hand around the clock. Do not put off dealing with the trouble a storm has left in its wake. Let the team at Ambition Electric put things to rights, call us at (402) 665-4650.