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Writer's pictureMegan Connor

Surge Damage: Key Indicators and Common Failures in Electronics and Appliances Adjusters Should Know About

Zap Consulting understands surge damage. Our experienced field technicians and in-house experts have seen thousands of surge damage claims. We know what to look for and just as importantly what adjusters need to know to settle surge damage claims quickly and accurately.


Surge damage claims can cost a LOT. For adjusters, knowing the key indicators of surge damage and understanding common failures in electronics and appliances can be essential in accurately assessing claims and understanding the ACTUAL cost to restore the insured's property to pre-loss condition. This blog post covers the main signs of surge damage and the common types of failures in electronics and appliances.



Understanding Power Surges

A power surge, sometimes called a voltage spike, occurs when the flow of electricity is interrupted and then restarted, or when an unusually high amount of voltage is sent through an electrical line.


Home electrical systems operate at around 120 volts, but surges can elevate this voltage to thousands of volts in milliseconds, leading to severe damage. Surge events can vary from minor fluctuations that degrade equipment over time to severe spikes capable of rendering electronics immediately inoperable.


Primary Causes of Power Surges

  1. Lightning Strikes: A single lightning strike can send a surge of up to 1 billion volts through an electrical system, devastating appliances and electronics.

  2. Utility Grid Switching: Power supply interruptions, such as during blackouts or when the utility company redirects power, can create surges that damage connected devices.

  3. High-Power Appliances: Large appliances like air conditioners or refrigerators draw significant power during startup and shutdown, potentially causing surges in other connected electronics.

  4. Wiring Issues: Outdated or damaged wiring can lead to short circuits and voltage irregularities, resulting in internal surges.


Key Indicators of Surge Damage

Surge damage can manifest in various ways, depending on the intensity of the surge and the type of equipment affected. For adjusters, identifying these signs can help verify if a surge event caused the reported loss. When utilizing a third party investigation service like Zap Consulting, adjusters can be confident all available evidence will be reviewed and considered in the evaluation of the claim.


Visual Indicators

  • Burn Marks: Burn or scorch marks on outlets, plugs, and wiring are clear indicators of excessive heat generated by a power surge. Melted plastic components, especially near the power source, are also common.

  • Charred Circuit Boards: A significant surge may leave behind visible charring or melting on circuit boards, components, and connectors.

  • Blown Fuses and Tripped Breakers: A tripped breaker or a blown fuse in an appliance or circuit panel may suggest an excessive voltage event, particularly if multiple breakers or fuses fail simultaneously.

  • Smell of Burnt Plastic: A distinct burnt plastic smell often indicates surge damage, especially in cases where the electrical components inside devices have been overloaded.


Functional Indicators

  • Complete Failure to Power On: Devices that cannot power on after a surge may have suffered irreparable damage to critical components, like the power supply or main circuit board.

  • Intermittent Operation: Some surge-damaged electronics may power on but function erratically, shutting off randomly or showing unusual behavior due to compromised internal circuitry.

  • Reduced Performance: After a surge, some electronics may exhibit slower processing speeds or weaker power output. In HVAC systems, for example, this can lead to inadequate cooling or heating.

  • Display or Screen Malfunctions: Devices with digital displays, such as microwaves, refrigerators, or televisions, may show garbled or blank screens if internal chips or capacitors are damaged.


Common Failures in Electronics and Appliances Due to Surges

Certain components within electronics and appliances are especially vulnerable to surge damage. Recognizing these common failures can help adjusters pinpoint the type and severity of the surge damage involved.


1. Power Supply Failure

The power supply unit (PSU) is often the first component to fail due to its role in regulating incoming voltage. A surge can overwhelm the PSU, rendering the device completely non-operational. This type of damage is common in computers, televisions, and larger appliances like HVAC systems.


2. Damage to Capacitors and Resistors

Capacitors and resistors are used in various devices to control voltage and store electrical energy. A surge can overload these components, leading to leakage, rupturing, or internal burn marks. Damaged capacitors are particularly common in appliances like microwaves, air conditioners, and refrigerators, where they regulate significant power loads.


3. Microprocessor and Integrated Circuit Damage

Modern electronics rely heavily on microprocessors and integrated circuits (ICs), which are highly sensitive to voltage spikes. Even minor surges can disrupt these delicate components, causing everything from minor glitches to total system failure. Devices like computers, televisions, and smart appliances often experience these issues. Adjusters should be aware that IC damage may not always show visible signs, though burnt traces or tiny scorch marks can sometimes indicate a surge.


4. Transformer and Motor Failures

Large appliances, such as washing machines, refrigerators, and HVAC units, often contain transformers and motors to manage substantial electrical loads. Surges can disrupt these motors, either causing them to fail immediately or shortening their lifespan significantly. Burnt wiring, scorched insulation, or melting around motor components are key indicators of surge damage in these types of equipment.


5. Wiring and Insulation Damage

A surge can damage the internal wiring of devices, leading to insulation melting or electrical shorts. This is particularly common in larger appliances and HVAC systems that use thicker wiring to carry higher currents. Damage to wiring can lead to further issues, such as recurring short circuits, overheating, or even fire hazards.


6. Display and Touchscreen Malfunctions

In devices with digital displays or touchscreens, surge damage can affect the display controller or related ICs, leading to dead pixels, flickering, or complete display failure. Devices like microwaves, smart refrigerators, and televisions often show these symptoms after surge exposure.


4. How Surge Protection Can Affect Claims

Surge protectors and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) can mitigate surge damage, but they are not foolproof. For adjusters, it’s useful to note whether an insured has surge protection in place, as this can influence the likelihood and severity of surge-related damage. However, it’s essential to remember that standard power strips are not true surge protectors and may provide minimal to no protection against significant surges.



Inspecting Surge Protection Devices

If a surge protector or UPS was in use, an expert should check these devices for damage, as they often sacrifice themselves to absorb a surge and protect connected equipment. Visible burn marks, blown internal fuses, or a failure to function properly may indicate that the device absorbed a surge.



 

Surge damage can vary widely, affecting everything from minor circuits in small devices to major components in large appliances. For adjusters, recognizing the signs of surge damage and understanding common failure points are crucial skills in accurately evaluating claims. When in doubt, call in the experts. Experts like Zap Consulting help insurance carriers minimize claim leakage by insuring they are never overpaying after a loss.


Handling a surge claim? Reach out to a Zap Consulting expert, today.

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