Power surges are one of the most common electrical issues that can cause damage to your home’s appliances, devices, and even your entire electrical system. Whether caused by lightning strikes, power grid fluctuations, or faulty wiring, an unexpected surge can fry expensive electronics in an instant.
At Switchsafe Electrical, we want to help homeowners and renters understand the importance of surge protection. In this article, we’ll explain how surges occur, the best ways to prevent them, and share two real-life case studies highlighting why surge protection is a must-have for every household.
What Causes Power Surges?
A power surge happens when there is a sudden increase in voltage within your electrical system. Most homes in Australia run on 230 volts, but when the voltage spikes beyond this level, it can overwhelm and damage electrical appliances. Common causes of power surges include:
- Lightning Strikes – A direct or nearby lightning strike can send thousands of volts through power lines, damaging anything connected to an outlet.
- Power Grid Fluctuations – Sudden power outages or supply changes can cause short-lived but powerful surges.
- Faulty Wiring – Damaged or outdated wiring can create inconsistent voltage levels, leading to frequent small surges.
- High-Powered Appliances – Air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines can cause minor surges when they cycle on and off.
How Surge Protection Works
Surge protection devices (SPDs) act as a buffer, absorbing excess voltage and redirecting it safely to the grounding system. There are three main types of surge protection:
- Whole-Home Surge Protectors – Installed at your switchboard, these protect your entire home from incoming surges before they reach your outlets.
- Power Board Surge Protectors – These provide protection at the point of use, preventing excess voltage from damaging sensitive electronics.
- Built-in Appliance Surge Protection – Some modern appliances come with internal surge protection, but it’s best to have additional layers of security.
Case Study 1: Homeowner’s Experience – Lightning Strike Destroys Appliances
John and Sarah, a couple from Brisbane, had just renovated their home and installed brand-new kitchen and entertainment appliances. One summer evening, a severe storm rolled in, and a nearby lightning strike sent a surge through their power lines. Within seconds, their fridge, television, and home computer were fried beyond repair.
After assessing the damage, Switchsafe Electrical found that their home lacked surge protection. We installed a whole-home surge protector at their switchboard and advised them to use quality surge-protected power boards for their most valuable electronics. The couple now has peace of mind knowing their investment is protected from future storms.
Case Study 2: Renter’s Experience – Power Grid Surge Causes Laptop Failure
Emma, a university student renting a small apartment in Sydney, relied on her laptop for studying and work. One evening, after a brief blackout in her suburb, she noticed her laptop wouldn’t turn on. A surge from the power grid had caused irreversible damage to the device, and with no insurance, she had to replace it out of pocket.
After contacting Switchsafe Electrical, we advised Emma to use surge-protected power boards for all her electronics, including her laptop, modem, and phone charger. Since landlords typically don’t install whole-home surge protection in rental properties, renters must take extra precautions to protect their devices. Now, Emma ensures every valuable appliance is plugged into a surge-protected power board, avoiding costly replacements in the future.
Signs Your Home Needs Surge Protection
If you experience any of the following, it’s time to consider installing surge protection:
- Frequent power flickering or sudden outages
- Burning smells near outlets or power boards
- Devices failing unexpectedly after storms or blackouts
- Older electrical wiring that may not be up to modern standards
How Switchsafe Electrical Can Help
At Switchsafe Electrical, we specialise in:
- Installing whole-home surge protectors
- Upgrading outdated switchboards to improve electrical safety
- Providing expert advice on surge protection solutions for renters and homeowners
Power surges can happen anytime, but you don’t have to be caught off guard. Protect your home and valuable electronics today by contacting Switchsafe Electrical for a professional surge protection assessment.