In Darwin, we’re no strangers to wild weather, and we sometimes get four seasons in a single day. One minute it’s a peaceful and sunny day, the next it’s thundering. Add in the occasional power outage and the fact that we rely on electronics for pretty much everything, and you’ve got a recipe for trouble. A sudden power surge can damage your fridge or even knock out your security systems, and replacing them isn’t cheap.
The good news is that with the right protection in place, you can stop these electrical problems from turning into expensive disasters. We’ll explain how.
Why Power Surge Protection is Crucial for Darwin Homes and Businesses
A power surge is a sudden spike in electricity flowing through your wiring. Think of it like water blasting through a garden hose at five times the normal pressure. We’d be surprised if something doesn’t burst. In your home or business, that “burst” usually results in burnt-out electronics or damaged wiring.
Here in Darwin, the causes of power surges can include:
Lightning strikes: Even if the strike is kilometres away, the surge can travel along power lines straight into your property.
Storm damage: Fallen trees or high winds knocking down power lines can cause sudden spikes when the power comes back on.
Power company switching: Sometimes, the electricity supplier changes the source from which they get your power, and the sudden change can send a surge through your system.
Large appliances: Air conditioners and fridges switching on and off can cause small surges over time, slowly wearing down electrical systems.
Types of Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) and Their Applications
Not all surge protectors do the same job. Here are the main kinds:
Plug-in protectors
These look like power boards (a long strip with several sockets you can plug multiple things into) or single adaptors (a small plug that goes into the wall and gives you one or two outlets). They have built-in surge protection to help prevent devices like your TV, computer, or gaming console from breaking down. They will fuse as soon as too much electricity starts to flow. They only protect the things plugged directly into them, not the whole house.
Point-of-use protectors
These are like plug-in protectors, but the quality can be even better. They are made for protecting certain equipment, like your internet modem, security system, or a big fridge. Example: A special surge protector just for your CCTV recorder, so the cables don’t fry during a storm.
Whole-house (or whole-building) surge protectors
These are installed at your home or business switchboard (the main place where all your electricity circulates). They protect everything in your home or business at once. Example: If a lightning strike causes a surge, this device stops it before it reaches your appliances, lights, or equipment. This is the best choice in Darwin, where power spikes are common.
Data and phone line protectors
Surges can also travel through internet cables or phone lines, not just your main power line. These surge protectors stop devices like modems, alarm systems, and card payment machines from getting damaged. Example: If a storm sends a spike through your internet cable, this device stops it before it can break your modem.
Professional Installation: The Key to Effective Surge Protection
Surge protection is not something you can just plug in and forget about if you want proper coverage. Whole-house devices need to be wired directly into your switchboard by a licensed and fully qualified electrician. If it is done incorrectly, they might not react fast enough and fail to protect your equipment.
A professional will: Choose the right surge protection device for the size of your property and your electrical setup. Install it correctly so it works when you really need it. Check your existing wiring to make sure there are no other problems that could make surges worse. Give you advice on extra protection options, such as protecting your internet or phone lines.
It is also a good idea to have your surge protection checked every couple of years. Surge protection devices can wear out after doing their job, and you may not notice until it is too late.
Don’t leave things to chance. Get in touch with Florance Electrical to find out more about our surge protection installation services.