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Safety

Do I Need A Surge Protector For My Home?

Written by Senior Electrician
Updated: Nov 2026

Voltage surges from lightning strikes, grid switching, or faulty appliances can destroy electronics and appliances worth thousands of dollars. A whole-house surge protector installed at your switchboard provides the best protection.

Important Safety Warning

Power board surge protectors have limited capacity and degrade over time. For full protection, install a Type 2 surge protector at your switchboard.

Common Signs & Symptoms

  • Electronics failing after storms
  • Frequent replacement of appliances
  • Lights brighten or dim unexpectedly
  • Area prone to lightning strikes

Potential Causes

Why is this happening? Here are the most common reasons we see in WA homes:

  • Lightning strikes on power lines
  • Grid switching by electricity provider
  • Large appliances (AC, pool pump) turning on/off
  • Faulty wiring or poor earthing

Troubleshooting Steps (DIY Safe)

  • 1
    Use power boards with built-in surge protection for sensitive electronics.
  • 2
    Unplug expensive devices during storms.
  • 3
    Check if your home insurance covers surge damage.
  • 4
    Consider a whole-house surge protector for comprehensive protection.

DIY vs Professional

In Western Australia, it is illegal to perform your own electrical work. While you can change a lightbulb or reset a switch, anything involving wiring or removing fittings must be done by a licensed electrician.

How we can help

If you haven't been able to resolve the issue with the steps above, it's time to call in the experts. Sparky Local carries the necessary diagnostic tools to identify the root cause quickly and safely.

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