Storm Season Power Surge Protection for Sydney Homes

Storms can send sudden spikes of voltage through the power network, called surges. Power surge protection helps reduce the damage they can do. A surge can reach anything connected to your home’s power, from TVs, computers and modems to air conditioning systems and security systems, and damage them in an instant. Surge protection reduces that risk, and the best setup uses two layers.

Here is how each layer of power surge protection works, what it covers, and what to do when a storm rolls in.

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What is a power surge?

A surge is a short burst of higher voltage than your home is designed for. Storms are a common cause, including lightning strikes near power lines. Surges can also happen when power comes back on after an outage.

A surge can travel to every electronic device connected to your home’s power. Electronics with circuit boards, like TVs, computers and modems, are often the most sensitive. Air conditioning systems and security systems, including CCTV recorders, cameras and alarm panels, can be damaged too, along with pool pumps and other appliances.

What does a surge protection power board do?

A surge protection power board sits between the power point and your devices. It is designed to absorb or divert a surge before it reaches what is plugged into it.

It only protects what is plugged into that board. Hardwired appliances, like ovens, cooktops, air conditioners and hot water systems, are not covered. Surge boards can also wear out after absorbing surges, so check the indicator light if yours has one.

What is switchboard surge protection?

A surge protection device can be installed in your switchboard by a licensed electrician. It helps limit surges coming in from the power network before they spread through your home's circuits, so it covers hardwired appliances too.

Switchboard protection and power boards work best together. The switchboard device handles the bigger surge first, and the power board adds a second layer for sensitive electronics. If your switchboard is older, check for signs it needs upgrading, since a new board may need room for the device.

What can power surge protection not do?

Surge protection reduces the risk of damage. It cannot guarantee it. Nothing protects against a direct lightning strike on your home.

It also does not stop a safety switch from tripping during a storm, which can happen when water gets into outdoor fittings. We explain that in why your safety switch keeps tripping.

What should you do when a storm hits?

If a big storm is close, unplugging sensitive electronics you do not need is the simplest protection there is. Do not touch switchboards, power points or appliances if you see water near them. If you lose power, wait for it to come back before plugging things back in, as surges can happen when power is restored.

Common questions

Do surge protectors really work?

A good surge protector reduces the risk of damage from common surges. It cannot protect against a direct lightning strike, and power boards can wear out after absorbing surges.

Can I install surge protection in my switchboard myself?

No. In NSW, work inside a switchboard must be done by a licensed electrician.

Want your home protected before the next storm?

Want power surge protection before the next storm? Oztech Sparks has licensed electricians who install switchboard surge protection for homes and businesses across Sydney Metro and the Illawarra. Send an enquiry below, or call 1300 698 324.