How to Protect Appliances from Power Surges

Rising Issues with Household Appliances and Power Surges

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the cases of household appliances failing due to power surges.
The demand for electricity continues to rise substantially, leading to frequent peaks that the power grid often struggles to manage, resulting in blackouts.
These surges are particularly prevalent during the summer months when energy consumption spikes due to the extensive use of air conditioning units.

Such sudden fluctuations can cause considerable damage to various appliances.
Research indicates that washing machines are the most vulnerable to these power surges, often suffering significant operational failures.
Following them are refrigerators, boilers, and televisions, all facing similar risks.
Economically, the repercussions can be substantial, as warranties typically do not cover such faults unless you proactively secure insurance that includes damage from power fluctuations.
This often forces homeowners to pay out-of-pocket for repairs, and in severe cases, it may be more cost-effective to purchase new appliances altogether.

Protecting Your Appliances from Power Surges

Home appliances that remain powered continuously, such as refrigerators and boilers, are particularly susceptible to surge damage.
The most critical aspects affected include the circuit board, control panel, and motors—replacements that can be exceedingly expensive, often outweighing their practical value.
Sadly, predicting when these power cuts and surges will occur is nearly impossible, but there are several strategies homeowners can implement to mitigate risk.

A basic yet effective tip is to unplug vulnerable appliances when leaving home, especially those that are not essential.
For instance, if you plan to be away for just a few hours, you can safely switch off the refrigerator without worrying, as it will maintain its internal temperature for a significant period if the door is kept closed.
Conversely, appliances like boilers, televisions, and washing machines can also be disconnected safely.

If you are aware of upcoming scheduled power outages for maintenance work, the best practice is to disconnect appliances 15 minutes before the outage and to wait another 15 to 20 minutes after power restoration before plugging them back in.
This precaution can significantly prevent damage caused by the sudden electric influx when power returns.

Another practical solution is to invest in a voltage stabilizer.
This device helps ensure the safe operation of electrical appliances, guarding them against damage from voltage fluctuations.
It is designed to maintain electrical voltage within predetermined limits, providing protection to connected devices.
Voltage stabilizers can safeguard all electrical devices in your home, from basic appliances to advanced electronic systems.

There’s a wide variety of voltage stabilizers available on the market, including options on online platforms like Amazon.
Prices can vary greatly, ranging from basic models in the low tens of euros to more advanced versions exceeding 100 euros.
Nonetheless, investing in a voltage stabilizer is highly advised in every household to prevent potential damages.

For more information, read about the Right to Repair of Household Appliances and the New EU Regulations.