Every summer, Arizona’s monsoon season brings powerful thunderstorms, lightning strikes, dust storms, and heavy rain. While the rain is a welcome break from the heat, these storms also bring an increased risk of power surges, sudden spikes in electrical current that can damage or destroy your home’s electronics and appliances.
How Monsoon Storms Cause Power Surges
Lightning is the most common cause of major surges, but it’s not the only one. During monsoon storms in Phoenix, Peoria, and across the Valley:
- Lightning strikes can travel through power lines and into your home.
- Downed power lines from high winds or falling trees can cause voltage spikes.
- Utility company switching during outages can lead to brief but powerful surges.
- Flooding and water intrusion into electrical systems can cause short circuits.
Even a surge lasting less than a second can burn out your TV, computer, fridge, or HVAC components, and in some cases, damage your wiring.
Steps to Protect Your Home Before Monsoon Season
- Install Whole-Home Surge Protection
This is your first line of defense. A licensed Arizona electrician can install a surge protector directly at your main electrical panel to stop large surges before they reach your outlets. - Use Quality Surge Protector Strips
For sensitive electronics like computers, TVs, and gaming systems, use UL-listed surge strips with a high joule rating (over 1,000 joules is best). - Unplug Major Devices During Severe Storms
If you know a big monsoon cell is approaching, unplug high-value electronics until the storm passes. - Have Your Electrical System Inspected Annually
Loose connections, outdated panels, or damaged wiring make surge damage worse. A pre-monsoon inspection by a licensed Phoenix electrician ensures your system is ready. - Maintain Trees and Landscaping Near Power Lines
High winds can send branches crashing into lines, increasing the risk of surges and outages.
Why Professional Surge Protection Matters in Arizona
DIY surge protection solutions often leave gaps that storms can exploit. Whole-home surge protectors installed by a licensed Arizona electrician:
- Handle large surges from lightning strikes
- Protect every outlet in your home, not just one plug
- Last for years with minimal maintenance
- Can be paired with point-of-use surge strips for layered protection
Final Tip: Monsoon storms can be unpredictable. Preparing your electrical system now not only protects your electronics but also keeps your home safer when lightning strikes. If you’re in Phoenix, Peoria, Glendale, or anywhere in the Valley, schedule a monsoon safety inspection before the first big storm rolls in. Call our office at 623-487-0687 or reach out online here.
