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How to Protect Your Computer from Power Surges and Other Electrical Gremlins

Your computer is a vital part of your life, and a power surge can fry it in an instant. In this area, we experience a lot of power fluctuations, so protecting your electronics is especially important. This article will explain what power surges are, how they can damage your computer, and what you can do to prevent them.

What is a power surge?

A power surge is a sudden spike in voltage. Even a brief surge can damage your computer’s delicate circuitry. Power surges can be caused by lightning strikes, power outages, overloaded circuits, and faulty wiring.

Signs of power surge damage

  • Computer won’t turn on at all
  • Computer turns on but won’t boot up
  • Burning smell
  • Smoke

How to prevent power surge damage

    • Surge protectors vs. power strips:

It’s important to understand the difference between a power strip and a surge protector. A power strip simply provides additional outlets for you to plug in multiple devices. While it can be convenient to have all your electronics plugged into one location, a power strip offers no surge protection. A surge protector, on the other hand, is specifically designed to safeguard your devices from damaging voltage spikes. It diverts excess voltage away from your computer and other electronics to the ground. Look for a surge protector with a joule rating that meets your needs. Higher joule ratings indicate better surge protection capabilities. Another helpful feature to look for is an indicator light that shows when the surge protection is no longer functional, letting you know it’s time to replace the surge protector.

    • Uninterruptible power supply (UPS): A UPS provides temporary battery power during a power outage, giving you time to shut down your computer safely.

    • Power down during storms: If you know a storm is coming, it’s a good idea to power down your computer and unplug it from the wall.

    • Avoid overloading circuits: Don’t plug too many devices into one outlet. This can overload the circuit and create a fire hazard.

    • Have your wiring inspected: If you live in an older home, it’s a good idea to have your wiring inspected by a qualified electrician. Faulty wiring can increase your risk of power surges.

    • Whole house surge protection: While surge protectors are essential for your individual devices, whole house surge protection offers an extra layer of defense for your entire electrical system. This can be especially important in areas prone to frequent power fluctuations.

Troubleshooting a computer after a power surge

Disclaimer: If you are uncomfortable with any of these troubleshooting steps, it’s best to seek help from a qualified computer repair technician.

If your computer has been damaged by a power surge, there are a few things you can try to fix it yourself. However, it’s important to note that you could void your warranty by opening your computer case.

  • Try a different power outlet:

Sometimes, the power surge only affects one outlet.

  • Power cycle your laptop or desktop:
    1. Turn off and unplug:

      • If the computer is on (even if not responding), turn it off completely.
      • Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
    2. Disconnect peripherals:

      • Disconnect all external devices from the computer, such as printers, scanners, external hard drives, USB flash drives, and any secondary monitors.

    For Laptop:

    1. Remove the battery (if possible):

      • If your laptop has a removable battery, turn the laptop upside down and locate the battery compartment latch.
      • Slide the latch and carefully remove the battery.
    2. Hold down the power button:

      • With the battery removed and the power cord unplugged, hold down the laptop’s power button for about 15 seconds. This helps to drain any residual power.
    3. Put the battery back in (if applicable) and reconnect the power cord:

      • If you removed the battery, put it back in its compartment and secure it with the latch.
      • Reconnect the power cord to the laptop and the wall outlet.

    For Desktop:

    1. Press and hold the power button:

      • With the power cord unplugged, press and hold the desktop’s power button for about 15 seconds. This accomplishes the same thing as removing the laptop battery.
    2. Reconnect the power cord:

      • Plug the power cord back into the desktop and the wall outlet.

    For both Laptop and Desktop:

    1. Wait and turn on:

      • Wait for at least 30 seconds before trying to turn on the computer again.
    2. Power on:

      • Press the power button on the laptop or desktop to try starting it normally.

 

  • Re-seat Desktop Components:

If you’re comfortable troubleshooting inside your computer case, visual guides and tutorials are readily available online for steps such as re-seating components. Here’s a general overview:

    • Unplug all power and discharge any residual power by holding down the power button for 10 seconds.
    • Open the case, keeping yourself grounded throughout by touching the power supply unit or using an anti-static wrist band to prevent static electricity from damaging your components.
    • Try re-seating components one at a time, starting with the RAM modules and working your way through other components like the graphics card (after removing it, try using the on-board video output port to plug in the monitor).
    • Be sure to turn off and discharge your computer before touching any components inside the case!

 

Note! Re-seating desktop components can be a delicate process and carries some risk of damage to the components or yourself. This guide is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as a substitute for professional guidance. If you are uncomfortable working on your computer’s hardware, it is strongly recommended to seek help from a qualified technician.

Additional points to consider:

    • Ensure you have the proper tools, such as screwdrivers, for accessing your computer’s case.
    • Be mindful of static electricity which can damage sensitive components. Ground yourself by touching the power supply unit or wearing an anti-static wristband.
    • When re-seating components, consult your computer’s manual or manufacturer’s website for specific instructions on proper handling and installation.
    • Force should never be used when handling components. If something doesn’t fit easily, double-check for proper alignment.
    • Tampering with your computer’s internals may void your warranty.

 

  • Reset the CMOS battery:

The CMOS battery is a small battery that stores your computer’s BIOS settings. Resetting it can sometimes clear up power surge-related problems.

Note! Resetting CMOS should be attempted as a troubleshooting step only after other potential solutions have been exhausted. It will clear all BIOS settings to their defaults, including date, time, storage configuration, and boot order. You may need to re-enter these settings after resetting CMOS. Additionally, resetting CMOS may not resolve all power surge-related problems and could potentially introduce new issues if performed incorrectly.

If these steps don’t work, you will likely need to take your computer to a repair shop.

Data recovery

Even if your computer is dead, you may still be able to recover your data. A data recovery service can help you retrieve your files from a damaged hard drive.

Conclusion

Power surges can be a real danger to your computer, but there are steps you can take to protect it. By following the tips in this article, you can help keep your computer safe from electrical gremlins. Don’t forget the importance of regular preventative maintenance like dusting your computer to prevent overheating, which can damage components and make them more susceptible to surge damage.

I hope this comprehensive guide empowers you to protect your valuable electronics!