Why Power Surges Increase in Winter (and How to Protect Your Equipment)

With cold temperatures and heating systems working overtime, winter puts considerable stress on power grids. Sometimes, that stress shows up as power surges. These sudden spikes may seem random, but they’re often traceable to specific wintertime stressors. If ignored, they can cause serious issues for industrial equipment. Thankfully, they’re preventable with a little seasonal preparation.

What causes winter power surges?

Winter power surges happen for a few reasons. Some are related to the weather itself, while others stem from how we use power differently in colder months.

Low temperatures put the biggest strain on power systems — largely due to the use of heating elements. As temperatures drop, HVAC systems run longer and harder to keep buildings warm. And, when heaters, furnaces, and heat pumps power on, they create brief spikes in voltage: power surges that can impact machinery.

Inclement weather is also a factor. Snow, ice, and strong winds can damage power lines, causing brief outages followed by power surges once service comes back online. The surge can overload equipment, triggering failsafe shutoffs and stoppages.

The impact of power surges on equipment

Power surges aren’t just annoying flickers. They can have a real, lasting impact on machinery and electronics. When voltage spikes beyond a system’s capacity, it can cause components to heat up quickly, stressing parts like capacitors and fuses. Over time, these stressed parts become weaker, leading to premature failure.

For equipment that relies on memory chips, software, or data storage, data corruption is also a concern. Unexpected reboots and software glitches can also disrupt production. In the case of unshielded equipment, a surge can cause enough damage to warrant major component repairs.

Protect, Repair, and Recalibrate

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Tips to protect your equipment from winter surges

Winter weather may be inevitable, but there are ways to guard against seasonal power surges. With a few proactive steps, you can reduce the risk of voltage spikes and the damage they cause:

• Install surge protectors on critical equipment: Industrial surge protection systems shield against voltage spikes by absorbing excess power and diverting it safely. Be sure to use high-quality protectors rated for your equipment’s power load.
• Use uninterruptible power supplies (UPS): For equipment that can’t afford to lose power, a UPS acts as both a surge protector and a backup power source. It bridges the gap between a power surge and normal voltage, allowing machinery to run smoothly while protecting sensitive electronics.
• Conduct routine maintenance and inspections: Check your electrical systems, connections, and protective equipment regularly. Inspections can reveal burnt-out surge protectors or overloaded circuits before they lead to costly issues. Preventive maintenance helps you spot small problems before winter weather amplifies them.
• Create a winter storm response plan: Winter storms are unpredictable, but you can prepare by setting up a protocol for when outages or surges occur. Whether it’s shutting down non-essential equipment or checking surge protectors after a storm, a winter storm response plan keeps your facility safe when power is unstable.

GES helps you stay prepared

Protecting equipment from winter’s impact requires ongoing maintenance and readiness. At GES, we know how important reliable equipment is — especially when winter conditions create extra stress. Our exceptional maintenance services guarantee your equipment is ready to withstand seasonal power fluctuations and potential downtime.

Prepare ahead of winter. Reduce the risk of sudden interruptions and keep your facility running smoothly through the coldest months. Seasonal inspections, preventative care, and tuning are essentials — not just for avoiding power surge issues but for keeping your facility running its best all season and beyond.