How Power Surges Damage Appliances and Electronics

How Power Surges Damage Appliances and Electronics

February 13, 2026

Power outages are a common occurrence no matter where you live, especially during lightning strikes or power outages. Even small surges that last less than a second can pose a major risk to the electrical devices in your home. Whether it’s an HVAC system, a refrigerator, home entertainment systems, or a laptop, our homes are packed with tens of sensitive devices that can be damaged by sudden voltage spikes.

If you’ve ever lost an appliance or electronic device after a power surge, you know how frustrating it can be. At Mr. Electric, we help homeowners and businesses protect their devices from costly electrical damage with whole home power surge protection systems. Whenever you’re looking for a licensed electrical service to protect your home from power surges, we’re the experts to call. Today, we’ll explain how power surges damage appliances and electronics.

Overheating Components

The sudden, high voltage causes excessive electrical current to flow through delicate circuits. This results in the components overheating, melting, or failing altogether. Whether it is a water heater, an electric kettle, TVs, or a plugged-in computer, any connected appliance and electronic device can suffer immediate or gradual damage from a power surge. Apart from causing damage, overheating can create serious safety hazards. Call a nearby electrical service to install an effective power surge protection system to protect your electronics and appliances.

Electrical Arcing

Intense power spikes can cause electricity to jump a gap within the device, thereby creating intense heat that can start an electrical fire. This is more likely to happen when there are loose connections or damaged insulation within the appliance or device. You may notice a burning smell or unexpected sparks when arcing occurs. The first thing you should do is unplug the device and seek help from a local electrician in Duncanville, TX.

A combination of a power surge and damaged appliances can be a deadly mix for your home’s electrical system. Power surge protection alone won’t fully safeguard your property if your appliances are already faulty, outdated, or improperly wired. It’s a good idea to replace or repair damaged appliances as soon as you notice a problem to keep your home protected.

Immediate vs. Gradual Damage

Some surge damage is obvious. A television may not turn back on, a computer may lose power permanently, or a breaker may trip repeatedly. However, not all damage is instantly noticeable.

Repeated small surges can slowly degrade internal components. Each minor spike slightly stresses circuitry, gradually reducing performance and reliability. Over time, this hidden damage can cause unexplained glitches, data loss, or sudden equipment failure months after the surge occurred.

Top Electrical Devices Most at Risk from Power Surges

Nearly every plugged-in device in your home is vulnerable, including:

  • Refrigerators and freezers
  • Water heaters
  • HVAC systems
  • Microwaves and electric kettles
  • Televisions and gaming consoles
  • Desktop computers and laptops
  • Routers and smart home systems

Because modern appliances rely on electronic control boards, they are far more sensitive to voltage fluctuations than older mechanical models.

Fire and Safety Hazards

Beyond equipment damage, power surges can create serious safety risks. Overheated wiring and melted insulation can spark electrical fires inside walls. Damaged outlets may emit burning smells or discoloration. In extreme cases, a major surge can compromise your entire electrical panel.

Stay One Step Ahead of the Next Power Surge

Power outages may be inevitable, but the damage they can cause to your appliances and electronics doesn’t have to be. Protecting your home before the next power surge occurs can save you thousands in repairs and replacements. A power surge protector shields electronics and appliances from damaging voltage spikes. It’s advisable to have a qualified electrician install a power surge protector. Call Mr. Electric today for power surge protection installation.