Surge protection for coastal homes

Living on the Illawarra coast has plenty going for it. Summer storms rolling in over the escarpment and the ocean are part of the package. So is salt air that works its way into everything metal. Both have a bearing on your electrics, and surge protection is one way to reduce the risk to the expensive electronics in a modern home.

What a surge is

A surge is a brief spike in voltage above the normal supply. It can last a tiny fraction of a second but still damage sensitive electronics. Surges come from a few places:

• Lightning strikes on or near power lines, or nearby
• Switching on the electricity network
• Large motors and appliances starting and stopping inside the home
• Faults on the network, such as a tree or vehicle bringing down lines

Big surges from lightning are dramatic but relatively rare. Smaller, repeated surges are more common and can wear down electronics over time.

What is at risk

Modern homes are full of electronics: TVs, computers, modems, smart home hubs, security cameras, appliance control boards, and pool and sauna controllers. These all use sensitive circuitry that does not tolerate surges well.

Types of surge protection

At the switchboard

A surge protection device installed at the switchboard helps protect the whole house by diverting excess voltage to earth. It is the first line of defence and needs to be installed by a licensed electrician. It works best with a good earthing system.

At the point of use

Surge protected power boards add a second layer for sensitive equipment, like the TV and computer. They are not a substitute for protection at the board, but the two work well together.

Data and antenna lines

Surges can also travel along antenna cables and phone lines. Some point-of-use protectors include connections for these.

Why coastal homes need extra attention

Salt air does not cause surges, but it does affect how well your electrical system copes. Corroded earth connections and terminals reduce the effectiveness of surge protection and safety switches. Homes near the water at Windang, Shellharbour, Kiama Downs, Gerringong and Gerroa should have their meter box and earthing checked from time to time. See meter box hazards in older Illawarra homes.

Outdoor fittings are also more exposed. Garden lights, outdoor power points and pool equipment should use weather rated fittings suited to coastal conditions. Our outdoor and security lighting and pool and outdoor power pages cover this.

Signs a surge may have caused damage

After a storm, look for electronics that will not turn on, chargers that have stopped working, a modem that keeps dropping out, or appliance displays that behave strangely. A safety switch or breaker that tripped during the storm is another clue. If several items failed at once, it is worth having the switchboard and earthing checked before you replace everything.

During a storm

• Unplug sensitive electronics if a severe storm is approaching and it is safe to do so
• Do not touch the switchboard if water is getting in
• If power goes out, check whether neighbours are affected before calling
• Stay well clear of fallen power lines and report them to the network

Adding surge protection

Surge protection is usually added at the switchboard. If your board is old or full, it makes sense to look at an upgrade. See our switchboard services page.

Ask Kalani

Call or text 0424 400 346 with a photo of your switchboard. We will tell you whether surge protection can be added and whether anything else in the meter box needs attention first. We are open 24 hours for emergency call outs after storm damage.