The number of electrical devices we use in our day-to-day lives is on the rise. A collection of smartphones, entertainment systems, computers and all of the integrated technologies that keep your home connected. More than ever before, it’s important to protect your home from potentially damaging electrical power surges which can be more frequent during stormy weather. We’ve put together some tips to help you get smart about surge protection.
- Whole House Protection
When lightning strikes, it can send a surge of power through electrical cables directly into your home. The first stage of surge protection places a guard at your fuse board, thereby isolating your home from voltage fluctuations in the main power grid.
- Within Your Home
Stage two of surge protection is to address power surges at each power outlet within your home. Every appliance that’s plugged in has the potential to be damaged during an electrical storm. Use surge-protecting power boards to isolate your appliances and ensure they don’t get stung when the storms strike.
- Avoid Overloading
An important but often overlooked step you can take is to avoid overloading your power outlets. Be sensible about how many appliances you’ve got plugged in at a single outlet and as a blanket rule, avoid connecting power boards to secondary power boards.
- Replace Regularly
Your surge protectors don’t last forever. The materials used to protect your appliances wear down with each power surge you experience, so it’s only a matter of time until they deteriorate. To make sure you stay safe, you’ll need to replace them and ensure ongoing protection.
- Keep Climate Correct
Electrical appliances generate heat. If you have too many appliances or devices operating in a space, it’s crucial that you maintain a regular and appropriate temperature. Use reverse-cycle air conditioning or evaporative cooling systems to keep the space cool and avoid overheating.
By combining these steps, your home should be ready for the onset of any storm season. Powerful surges caused by lightning will no longer pose a threat to your precious appliances and devices. As with anything involving electricity, it’s best left to a professional. Contact Service Today to speak with an expert adviser and arrange a visit with one of our experienced electricians in Sydney.
