Power Surges

Power surges happen. 

More than likely, you have surge protectors in your home with multiple electrical devices plugged into them. Whether on the floor, behind a desk or couch, or placed into the wall, we all understand the need to protect appliances and electronics from power surges.

Surge Protector

What are electrical surges?

Source: The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)

According to the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, an “electrical surge is a sudden and unwanted increase in voltage that can damage, degrade, or destroy sensitive electronic equipment in a home or business.”

Two main sources of electrical surges are lightning surges and overvoltage generated by the equipment. Lighting surges are the most familiar source for electrical surges; however, they are one of the least common causes. NEMA states, “When lightning strikes near a power line, the electrical energy can boost electrical pressure by millions of volts.”

NEMA estimates that 60% to 80% of surges are created within a facility, such as when large appliances (e.g., air conditioners) turn on and off. This switching creates sudden, brief demands for power, which upset the steady voltage flow in the electrical system and causes repetitive surges. While these surges are nowhere near the intensity of a lightning surge, they can be severe enough to damage components, immediately or gradually, and they occur regularly in most building’s electrical systems.

What can I do about surges?

A common misconception is surge protection strips completely protect a home or business from power surges. Surge strips are useful, but they offer only a limited layer of protection. While they offer protection for devices connected to it, most of the heavy-duty electronic appliances in a home (e.g., television, cooktop, microwave, washer, dryer, and dishwasher) are connected to the mainline, which remains vulnerable during power surges. A surge protective device (SPD) is an appliance or device designed to protect from voltage spikes or surges transmitted from the power distribution line into the home. A SPD, typically, is mounted on a home’s circuit breaker panel. A surge, which lasts a few microseconds, can destroy computer memory, processors, capacitors, and screens. SPDs help to reduce the voltage spike to a value compatible with connected appliances. By layering cord-connected surge protectors and panel-mounted SPDs, we can achieve a more reliable protection scheme for our homes and appliances and electronics.

If you are interested in placing an SPD on your home’s panel, make sure you contact a licensed electrician and request pricing and installation information.

For additional information about electrical surges, go to www.nemasurge.org.

I have property damage from a power surge.

The Oregon Trail Electric Co-op Claims Reporting Form allows members to report damages or losses potentially related to co-op services, ensuring a streamlined process for review and resolution.

If you have recently experienced property damage that you suspect may be related to power flow fluctuations, please consider the following before seeking compensation:

  • It is the member's responsibility to protect their equipment from power outages and fluctuations. Large power systems regularly experience power fluctuations that are beyond a reasonable expectation of control. For example, power outages and related damages caused by weather events fall into this category and are beyond Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative's reasonable ability to control.
     
  • Given this fact, neither the constant flow of electricity nor the absence of power fluctuations can be guaranteed. Please understand that Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative will not provide compensation for damages resulting from power fluctuations and outages.
     
  • There are ways that you can prevent future equipment damage in the event of an outage. You can protect potentially sensitive or high-value equipment with a surge protector or by unplugging unprotected equipment during an outage, until after power is restored. This protects it from the potential power surge that may happen as power comes back on. Refrigerator temperatures can remain at a safe level for several hours if doors are kept closed.
     
  • If you have questions, please call 541-523-3616 or email safety@otec.coop.
     
  • If you'd like to fill out a claims report, please download the PDF below and email it to safety@otec.coop, mail it to your local OTEC office or drop it off at your nearest OTEC office.


Thank you,

Clint Morrison, Director of Support Services

 

OTEC Claims Form