By admin 
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — All it takes is one power surge or lightning strike to ruin electronics, and electricians say they see it regularly.
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Nik Abbott, electrical supervisor for Parker and Sons, said one of the biggest concerns during a storm is what happens when the power comes back on.
“When the grid turns back on, it sends a surge through your home,” Abbott said.
What surges can damage
Power surges can damage or destroy electronics. Abbott said flickering lights after a storm, televisions that stop working and microwaves that fail are among the most common issues his team encounters.
“That’s one of the biggest things that we see in our day-to-day — is houses with flickering lights after a storm. Their TV just stopped working. Their microwave stopped working,” Abbott said.
Devices and phones plugged into the wall at the time of a surge can also be damaged.
Steps to take before the next storm
Electricians recommend turning off and unplugging electronics before a storm hits.
“If it’s off and then the power turns back on — and it stays off — it’s not really in danger of that surge,” Abbott said.
Surge protectors can also help, but experts say homeowners may want to consider a whole-home surge protector for around $500 that is installed directly on the breaker box.
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“Before the surge will hit any of these breakers, it will actually stop it there,” Abbott said.
Abbott said the device adds an extra layer of protection to ensure electronics are not damaged when power is restored.
Warning signs after a storm
Warning signs that something may be wrong after a storm include flickering lights, buzzing sounds, a burning smell and breakers that repeatedly trip.
Experts also recommend replacing standard surge protectors every three to five years, or after a major power surge.
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