Is Your Home Ready for Storm Season?
The sky turns purple over the ridge, the first crack of thunder rolls through, and the lights flicker. Then the TV goes black and the modem stops blinking. By the time the storm passes, something that worked an hour ago doesn't anymore. Summer storms are part of life in Sydney, and so are the power surges that come with them. Good surge protection won't stop the weather, but it can stop a storm from costing you a TV, a computer or an oven.
- Lightning is the big one Electricity networks say lightning is the most common cause of power surges and spikes.
- Unplug before the storm NSW SES and Ausgrid both advise unplugging sensitive electronics before severe weather.
- Three levels of protection Surge powerboards, surge-protected powerpoints and devices at the switchboard each protect different things.
- Not for direct hits No surge protector can be relied on to survive a direct lightning strike.
- It protects gear, not people Surge protection looks after your equipment. Safety switches are what protect you.
In many homes, the only thing standing between the electronics and the next big surge is luck. Whether your Hornsby home is full of tech or just has a fridge and a TV worth protecting, here's how surges happen and what actually helps.
Powerboard, Powerpoint or Switchboard Protection?
Surge protection comes in three levels. Surge-protected powerboards plug into a normal powerpoint and protect whatever's plugged into them, which is handy for a TV or computer setup. Surge-protected powerpoints replace an existing outlet and have to be installed by an electrician. And a surge protection device at the switchboard covers the whole home's wiring, including appliances you can't easily unplug, like the oven, the air con and the hot water. They work best together: the switchboard device takes the big hit, and powerboards add a second layer for your most valuable gear.
A few valuable devices
A good surge-protected powerboard is a sensible start for the TV, computer and modem. Check its indicator light after a storm, as some need replacing once they've taken a surge.
Protecting the whole home
A surge protection device at the switchboard covers hardwired appliances too. It has to be installed by a licensed electrician.
Burning smell or damage after a storm
If the switchboard smells of burning, shows scorch marks or keeps tripping, leave the power off and call an electrician. If there's smoke or fire, call 000.
Signs a Storm Has Hit Your Electrics
Surge damage isn't always obvious. Watch for these after a storm or a power outage.
Appliances That Won't Turn On
A TV, modem or appliance that worked before the storm and is now dead may have taken a surge.
Burning Smell or Scorch Marks
A smell at the switchboard or marks on a powerpoint mean something has overheated. Leave the power off.
A Safety Switch That Won't Reset
A safety switch that trips again straight after a storm points to damage or moisture somewhere in the system.
Surge Protector Light Has Gone Out
If your surge powerboard's indicator light is out, it may have done its job and needs replacing.
Hornsby, Storms and Ausgrid
Most Hornsby homes are on the Ausgrid network. If a storm brings down lines or cuts the power, report it to Ausgrid on 13 13 88 and stay at least 8 metres away from fallen wires. And if your appliances were damaged by a power surge from the network, Ausgrid says you may be able to lodge a claim for compensation, though not every claim is eligible.
Where Power Surges Come From
A power surge is a sudden spike in voltage, far above what your appliances are built for, that lasts a fraction of a second. Lightning is the big one. A strike nearby can send a surge through powerlines, phone lines and even the TV aerial and into your home. Surges can also happen when the power comes back on after an outage, or when the network is damaged, like a tree coming down on the lines. Modern electronics are full of delicate circuitry, which is why a surge an old fridge might shrug off can finish a TV, a laptop or a smart appliance in an instant.
1
Nearby lightning
A strike can send a surge through powerlines and into your wiring.
2
Power coming back on
Surges can occur when supply returns after an outage.
3
Network damage
A tree on the lines or other storm damage can cause spikes.
4
Phone and aerial lines
Surges can also travel in through phone lines and TV aerials.
5
No surge protection
Nothing diverts the excess voltage away from your appliances.
How We Protect Your Home From Surges
We look at what you need to protect and how your switchboard is set up, then recommend the right mix of protection, from the switchboard down to the powerpoint.
Step 01
Check the Switchboard
We check your switchboard has room for a surge protection device and that its safety switches are working. Older boards sometimes need tidying up first.
What we look for
What We Check First
- Space on the board for surge protection
- Working safety switches
- Signs of past surge or storm damage
Step 02
Install Whole-of-Home Protection
We install a surge protection device at the switchboard to shield the wiring and hardwired appliances, and can add surge-protected powerpoints where your most valuable gear lives.
Step 03
Test and Explain
We test the installation, show you how to check its status indicator, and explain what to do after a big storm. You get a Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work (CCEW) for the job.
- Whole-home protection
- Safety switches tested
- Status checked
Method matched to cause
Storm Damage Already Done? We'll Check It First
If a storm has already hit, we'll test the switchboard, safety switches and circuits for damage before adding protection, so you're not protecting a system that's already compromised.
Surge protection
Safety checks- Switchboard upgrades
- Fault finding
What Shapes the Cost
Whole-of-home surge protection is usually a modest job on a modern switchboard. The cost changes if your board has no room, needs upgrading, or you'd like extra protection at specific powerpoints.
What You Can Do Before the Next Storm
When severe weather is forecast, unplug sensitive electronics like TVs, computers, gaming consoles and the modem. If the power goes out during a storm, switch off and unplug appliances so they aren't hit by a surge when it comes back on. Use surge-protected powerboards for your most valuable gear, and check their indicator lights after a storm. And test your safety switches, so you know they'll work when it counts.
Safe to try yourself
Unplug electronics before a storm
- Switch off appliances if the power goes out
Use surge-protected powerboards
- Test your safety switches
Time to call a professional
- Whole-of-home surge protection
- Surge-protected powerpoints
- A burning smell or damage after a storm
A safety switch that won't reset
Don't Leave It to Luck
Storms are a fact of summer, and so are the surges they bring. Unplugging your electronics helps when you're home to do it, but surge protection at the switchboard keeps working when you're not. Pair it with surge powerboards for your most valuable gear and working safety switches for your family, and the next storm becomes something to watch from the window, not something that costs you a new TV.
Remember this
Unplug when you can. Protect the switchboard for when you can't.
Surge Protection FAQs
Do surge powerboards really work?
They help protect whatever is plugged into them, and they make a good second layer. But they don't protect hardwired appliances, and some need replacing after taking a big surge.
Is whole-of-home surge protection mandatory?
No, it isn't mandatory in Australia. It's an optional upgrade that many homeowners choose to protect their appliances and electronics.
Will surge protection survive a direct lightning strike?
Nothing can be relied on to survive a direct strike. That's why unplugging electronics during a storm is still the best protection.
Should I unplug the modem and TV aerial too?
Yes. Surges can travel in through phone lines and TV aerials as well as the power, so unplug the modem and the aerial lead if a big storm is on the way.
Does surge protection protect people?
No. Surge protection is designed to protect equipment. Safety switches are what protect people from electric shock, so you want both.
How long does a surge protection device last?
It depends on how many surges it absorbs. Some modules need replacing after a big surge, which is why the status indicator is worth checking after a storm.
Ready Before the Next Storm?
Positive Power Electrical can check your switchboard, install whole-of-home surge protection and test your safety switches, so your Hornsby home is ready before the next storm rolls in. Protect the TV, the computer and everything else you'd rather not replace.