Voltage headaches are a common problem that occur due to fluctuations in the power supply of our houses. These fluctuations are caused by several factors, including power surges, brownouts, and spikes.
They can damage our home appliances, cause computer crashes, and even electrocute someone in extreme cases. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent voltage headaches and protect yourself from electrical hazards. In this article, we will discuss some of the ways to avoid voltage headaches.
What are Voltage Headaches?
Voltage headaches are a kind of headache that is caused by excessive exposure to variations in electrical voltage.
People who suffer from voltage headaches experience a pulsating and throbbing pain in their heads, which can be accompanied by nausea or vomiting. The symptoms of voltage headaches are similar to migraines and tension headaches but are specifically triggered by electrical disturbances.
Causes of Voltage Headaches
Voltage headaches can be caused by a variety of factors, but the most common are power surges, brownouts, and spikes. Power surges occur when there is a sudden increase in the voltage in an electrical circuit.
They can be caused by lightning strikes, power outages, or turning on and off large appliances. Brownouts, on the other hand, happen when there is a drop in the voltage in an electrical circuit. They can be caused by overloaded circuits, power grid failures, or damaged power lines.
Lastly, spikes occur when there is a very brief, intense burst of voltage in an electrical circuit. They can be caused by lightning strikes, power outages, or electric motors turning on and off.
Preventive Measures
Here are some preventive measures that you can take to avoid voltage headaches:.
1. Use Voltage Stabilizers
Voltage stabilizers are devices that regulate the voltage in an electrical circuit. They stabilize the voltage and protect your appliances from damage due to fluctuations in the power supply.
A voltage stabilizer can help you avoid voltage headaches, and it can also extend the life of your appliances.
2. Install Surge Protectors
Surge protectors are devices that protect your appliances from lightning strikes, power outages, and power surges. They act as a barrier between your appliances and the power supply, preventing any harmful voltage from reaching your appliances.
Surge protectors can help you avoid voltage headaches and safeguard your appliances from damage.
3. Service Your Home Wiring Regularly
Regular maintenance of your home wiring is necessary to avoid voltage headaches and electrical hazards. Electrical wiring can deteriorate over time, and it can be damaged by rodents, moisture, and wear and tear.
Regular inspections and servicing of your home wiring can prevent voltage headaches and other electrical problems.
4. Use Quality Electrical Appliances
Using quality electrical appliances is crucial to avoid voltage headaches. Poor quality appliances can be more susceptible to voltage fluctuations, and they can even cause power surges and spikes in your electrical circuit.
You should invest in quality appliances that are designed to handle voltage fluctuations and are equipped with safety features.
5. Unplug Appliances During Thunderstorms
Thunderstorms can cause power surges and spikes that can damage your appliances and cause voltage headaches. It is advisable to unplug your appliances during thunderstorms to protect them from these electrical disturbances.
6. Do Not Overload Electrical Circuits
Overloading electrical circuits is a common cause of voltage headaches. When too many appliances are connected to a single circuit, the voltage in the circuit can drop, causing brownouts.
To avoid this, ensure that you do not connect too many appliances to a single circuit, and use extension cords and power strips prudently.
7. Hire a Professional Electrician
Lastly, it is advisable to hire a professional electrician to inspect and service your home electrical system. A professional electrician can detect and rectify any problems with your electrical system, ensuring that it is safe and healthy.
A proper electrical system can prevent voltage headaches and other electrical hazards.
Conclusion
Voltage headaches can be a painful and annoying problem, but they can be avoided by taking some preventive measures.
Use voltage stabilizers, surge protectors, and quality electrical appliances, and service your home wiring regularly to prevent voltage headaches. Unplug appliances during thunderstorms, avoid overloading electrical circuits, and hire a professional electrician to inspect your electrical system. These measures can help you avoid voltage headaches and protect yourself from electrical hazards.