5 Tips for Protecting Your Business from Electrical Surges

As a facility manager, you juggle countless responsibilities to keep your building running smoothly. Electrical systems power your operation, but they also carry risks. This post offers practical tips for protecting your business from electrical surges, helping you safeguard valuable equipment and maintain operational continuity. By taking a few preventative steps, you can avoid costly downtime and major repairs.

Understand the Threat

Electrical surges are sudden, brief spikes in voltage that can damage or destroy electronic devices. In commercial buildings, these can happen for several reasons. Lightning strikes are a major external cause, sending massive amounts of energy through your electrical system. Internal sources, like large equipment cycling on and off, can also create smaller, more frequent surges.

Implement Surge Protection

A comprehensive surge protection plan is your first line of defense. Start by installing a lighting arrester near your transformer. This can help you avoid common transformer problems by diverting the surge away from your business.

It’s also important to install surge protection devices (SPDs) at the main electrical service panel to block external surges before they enter your building. Make sure to add another layer of protection at distribution panels that feed critical areas. Finally, use point-of-use SPDs, like surge-protecting power strips, for individual computers, servers, and other sensitive electronics to shield them from internal surges.

Schedule Regular Maintenance

Preventative maintenance helps you catch potential issues before they become serious problems. Schedule routine electrical inspections with a qualified electrician to check your wiring, panels, and surge protection equipment. Regular upkeep ensures your SPDs are functioning correctly and can handle a surge when it occurs. This simple step keeps your entire electrical system reliable and safe.

Use Power Conditioners

For your most critical and sensitive electronic equipment, consider using power conditioners. These devices go beyond basic surge protection. They actively regulate voltage, providing a stable and clean power supply. This filtering process removes electrical “noise” and smoothes out minor fluctuations, extending the lifespan and improving the performance of high-value assets such as servers or specialized machinery.

Educate Your Employees

Your staff can be your eyes and ears on the ground. Train employees to recognize signs of electrical problems, such as buzzing sounds near outlets or flickering lights. Establish clear safety protocols for them to follow, like reporting issues immediately and knowing how to safely unplug equipment during a severe storm. An informed team adds another layer of protection to your facility.

Keeping Your Facility Safe

Protecting your facility from electrical surges is an ongoing effort that requires a multi-layered approach. By implementing these tips for protecting your business from electrical surges, you can significantly reduce the risk of damage to your equipment and prevent costly disruptions. A proactive strategy ensures your building remains safe, secure, and fully operational.