In many places, summer storms come with a familiar pattern. The wind picks up. Power flickers or cuts off. Then everything switches back on again. Most homeowners focus on the outage. But what happens when the power returns can be far more damaging. That quick surge of voltage, called a power surge, has the potential to damage appliances, fry electronics, and silently weaken your home’s electrical system.
At America’s Choice, we see the results of power surge damage often. Many homeowners never realize it happened until something stops working.
Let’s break down what power surges are, how they affect your home, and what you can do to stay protected.
What Is a Power Surge?
A power surge is a brief spike in voltage that flows through your electrical system. Most homes use about 120 volts of electricity. A surge occurs when that flow suddenly jumps above normal levels. This can happen for less than a second, but it can still cause lasting damage.
Surges range in strength. Some come from within your home. Others are triggered by outside events.
According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), most homes experience dozens of small surges each day, especially in areas with older wiring or frequent power interruptions.
What Causes Them?
Power surges happen for a variety of reasons. In our area, the most common causes include:
Lightning strikes
Charlotte averages more than 40 thunderstorm days per year. Even if lightning doesn’t strike your home directly, a nearby strike can travel through power lines and cause a sudden spike in voltage.
Power returning after an outage
When power is restored after a blackout or brownout, the electrical current doesn’t always return smoothly. The sudden demand can send a surge through your wiring.
Large appliances cycling on and off
HVAC systems, refrigerators, and washing machines use a lot of energy when they start up. These small, frequent surges can add up over time and wear down circuits and outlets.
Utility company grid switches or transformer issues
Scheduled maintenance or unexpected outages in your neighborhood can cause fluctuations in voltage, even when your home doesn’t lose power entirely.
Old or overloaded electrical systems
Homes with outdated breaker panels or wiring are less able to manage sudden spikes. If your panel is original to the home or over 30 years old, it may not offer the protection modern systems do.
Can a Power Surge Damage Your Electrical System?
Yes. Surges can impact everything from small electronics to major home systems. Some damage happens instantly. Other effects take time to show up.
Here’s what we’ve seen first-hand…
1. Burnt or discolored outlets Surges can overheat the wiring behind the wall. That heat sometimes leaves behind brown or black marks around outlets or causes the plastic covers to warp.
2. Damaged circuit breakers Surges can weaken your breaker panel. If breakers trip more often than they used to or stop resetting properly, it may be due to surge damage.
3. Shortened appliance lifespan Appliances might still function after a surge, but the damage to internal parts can reduce efficiency or lead to early failure. HVAC units are especially vulnerable.
4. Problems with smart home devices Electronics like Wi-Fi routers, thermostats, and video doorbells are sensitive to even minor voltage changes. A surge can knock them offline or cause permanent damage.
5. Hidden damage to wiring If your home experiences repeated small surges, the insulation around wires may begin to break down. This increases the risk of overheating or electrical fire, especially in older homes.
Signs You May Have Had a Power Surge
Power surges aren’t always dramatic. Some leave only subtle signs. Keep an eye out for:
Burn marks around plugs or outlets
Devices that stop working after a storm or outage
Lights that flicker or buzz when large appliances start up
Frequent breaker trips
A burning or plastic smell near your panel or outlets
If you’ve experienced any of these, it’s worth scheduling a home inspection or electrical evaluation.
Why It Matters During Inspections
Electrical systems are a key part of any inspection. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just doing maintenance, surge damage can show up in ways that affect safety and value.
Inspectors will look for:
Scorching or discoloration on outlets and switch plates
Aged or overloaded breaker panels
Signs of moisture or corrosion around electrical equipment
Improper grounding or lack of surge protection
Warning signs of past electrical stress
Surge-related problems may seem small at first, but they can lead to larger repair needs or negotiation issues during a real estate transaction.
How to Protect Your Home from Power Surges
While you can’t control the power grid or prevent every storm, you can take steps to protect your home.
1. Install a whole-house surge protector This is your first line of defense. A licensed electrician can install one at your main panel to stop surges before they travel through your circuits.
2. Use certified surge-protecting power strips Look for strips with a high joule rating and an indicator light that shows protection is active. Replace them every few years, even if they still work.
3. Unplug electronics during severe weather TVs, computers, and smart devices are safer when unplugged during major storms.
4. Upgrade older electrical panels Many older homes in Charlotte were built before modern surge protection standards existed. If your panel is outdated, replacement may be necessary for both safety and insurance compliance.
5. Schedule an annual electrical inspection If your home has experienced recent storms, power flickers, or breaker issues, a professional inspection can catch hidden problems before they grow worse.
When to Bring in a Professional
Not every electrical issue requires immediate repairs, but some signs should never be ignored. Call a licensed home inspector or electrician if:
Your surge protectors no longer show an active indicator
Your panel has not been evaluated in more than five years
At America’s Choice Home Inspections, we evaluate electrical systems across Charlotte every week. We understand what surge damage looks like, how it affects homeowners, and how to help you stay ahead of potential problems.
Conclusion
Power surges may be short, but their effects can linger. They can reduce the life of your appliances, damage expensive electronics, and quietly weaken your home’s electrical system. Most of this damage happens behind the scenes, making it easy to miss until something fails.
A professional inspection can help you spot problems early and take simple steps to protect your home going forward. If you’re concerned about past surge damage or want to make sure your home is ready for the next storm season, we’re here to help.
