How to Prepare Your Home’s Electrical System for the Summer Storm Season

The Australian summer storm season brings a unique set of challenges to homeowners. Between lightning strikes, power surges, heavy winds, and potential flooding, your home’s electrical system faces significant risks. Taking proactive steps now can save you from costly repairs and dangerous situations later. Whether you’re seeking expert assistance or handling basic preparations yourself, Carda Electrics Sandringham recommends several key strategies to storm-proof your electrical system.

Key Takeaways

• Conduct visual inspections of your switchboard, external outlets, and visible wiring before storm season begins
• Test safety switches and smoke alarms regularly to maintain proper protection
• Consider professional upgrades like whole-home surge protection and backup power options
• Know what safety actions to take during and after storms to protect your family and appliances
• Schedule professional electrical inspections well before peak storm season arrives

Why Preparing Your Electrical System Matters

Typical Storm-Related Electrical Hazards in Australia

Australian summer storms bring multiple electrical risks to your home. Lightning strikes can cause transient overvoltages that damage electronics instantly. Voltage sags and extended outages occur when the grid becomes unstable during severe weather. Water ingress during floods creates dangerous short circuits. Wind-damaged overhead lines and fallen branches pose serious electrocution hazards around your property.

Consequences of Not Preparing

Failing to prepare your electrical system can lead to expensive consequences. Appliance damage is common after power surges, potentially costing thousands to replace modern electronics. Fire risks increase significantly from compromised wiring. Safety switch trips may leave you without power at critical times. Most concerning is the potential loss of power to refrigeration and medical devices that some family members might rely on.

Seasonal Timing and Local Weather Patterns

Different regions across Australia face storm risks at different times. Northern areas typically experience the wet season from November to April with frequent electrical storms. Southern regions often see summer storms concentrated from December through February. Understanding your local weather patterns helps you time your preparations appropriately.

Pre-Storm Inspection Checklist

Visual Checks You Can Do Safely

Start with a careful examination of your switchboard for signs of rust, scorch marks, or loose covers that might indicate existing problems. Check external outlets and fittings for intact weatherproof covers and absence of corrosion. If you can safely access your roof space or garage, look for fraying wires or signs of pest damage to visible wiring. Note any tree limbs near overhead power lines, but never attempt to trim these yourself.

“The single most important safety check homeowners can perform is testing their safety switches before storm season begins. This simple action could prevent electrical fires and save lives.” – Carda Electrics

Test Basic Safety Devices

Test all safety switches/RCDs monthly by pressing the test button and confirming they trip off as designed. This simple check confirms they’ll work properly during a fault. Similarly, test smoke alarms and any emergency lighting to make sure batteries are functional and systems operate correctly.

Document Key Information

Take photos of your service panel and make sure all circuits are clearly labelled. Keep contact information for a licensed electrician readily available. Review your insurance details to understand what electrical damage is covered in storm events.

DIY Preparations Before a Storm

Protect Sensitive Electronics

When storms approach, unplug non-essential devices to protect them from power surges. Use surge-protected power boards for items that must remain connected, such as computers or medical equipment. Consider disconnecting aerial cables from TVs during severe lightning storms.

Secure Outdoor Electrical Items

Bring portable appliances and garden tools inside before storms hit. Secure external lights and ensure weatherproof covers are properly closed on outdoor outlets. Any outdoor electrical equipment should be stored in dry locations when not in use.

Prepare for Power Outages

Keep mobile phones fully charged as storms approach. Have torches with fresh batteries positioned throughout your home. Consider battery backups for critical equipment. Maintain a small supply of cash for emergencies when electronic payment systems are down. Plan for refrigeration needs with insulated coolers and strategic food rotation to minimise spoilage.

Professional Upgrades to Reduce Storm Risk

Whole-of-Home Surge Protection

Type 1 and Type 2 Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) installed at your switchboard provide superior protection against lightning and grid-related power surges. Unlike plug-in surge protectors, these systems protect your entire home’s electrical system from incoming surges.

Switchboard and Safety Switch Upgrades

Consider upgrading old fuse systems to modern circuit breakers. Replace worn switchboards showing signs of deterioration. Adding RCBOs (Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent protection) provides the best safety protection for individual circuits.

Earthing and Bonding Checks

Proper earthing plays a critical role in fault protection and surge dissipation. A licensed electrician can verify your home’s earthing system meets current standards and provide upgrades if necessary.

Backup Power Options

Evaluate whether portable generators or installed systems better meet your needs. Solar with battery storage and proper isolation switches offers clean, quiet backup power. If choosing generators, understand the safe installation and ventilation requirements to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Licensed Electrician Services

When hiring an electrician, always verify their license, confirm they carry public liability insurance, request a written quote, and specifically ask about storm-readiness checks for your property.

Safety Actions During a Storm

Electrical Safety Inside the Home

Never touch electrical appliances with wet hands during storms. Keep clear of metal plumbing fixtures if lightning is nearby. If flooding begins, turn off your mains power only if it can be done safely and you know your switchboard location. Otherwise, evacuate to higher ground immediately.

Generator and Temporary Power Safety

Always operate generators outdoors, away from windows and vents. Ensure proper earthing connections and use transfer switches correctly to prevent dangerous backfeeding into power lines that could harm utility workers.

What NOT to Do

Never touch downed power lines, even if they appear dead. Do not attempt to move fallen electrical wires or poles under any circumstances. Report these hazards to your electricity distributor immediately from a safe distance.

After the Storm – Safety Checks and Actions

Begin with a careful initial safety assessment of your property. Look for damaged meters, scorch marks, exposed wiring, or water in the switchboard area. Keep family members clear of potential electrical hazards and cordon off affected areas.

Know who to contact for different situations: call your local electricity distributor for downed lines and a licensed electrician for home wiring issues. Document all damage with photos and time-stamped notes for insurance purposes.

Be cautious when restarting appliances after power returns. If you suspect water damage or surge damage, have electronics inspected by a qualified professional before use.

Conclusion

Preparing your home’s electrical system for the summer storm season requires both personal vigilance and professional assistance. By conducting basic inspections, installing appropriate protection systems, and knowing how to respond during emergencies, you can significantly reduce your risk of electrical damage and safety hazards.

Don’t wait until storms are forecast to begin preparations. Schedule an electrical safety inspection well before storm season to identify and address potential vulnerabilities in your system. Carda Electrics can provide expert assessment and implement the protective measures your home needs to weather even the most severe summer storms safely.