Brisbane’s storm season is no joke, and one nearby lightning strike or grid fluctuation can send a power surge through your home that destroys expensive electronics in a fraction of a second. Surge protection is a small investment that can save you thousands. Here’s how it works and what your options are.
What is a power surge?
A power surge is a sudden spike in voltage. It can come from lightning and storms, from the grid when power is restored after an outage, or even from large appliances switching on and off inside your home. Whatever the source, that spike can fry the sensitive electronics in TVs, computers, fridges, air conditioners and solar inverters.
Whole-home surge protection
The most effective protection is a surge protection device (SPD) installed at your switchboard by a licensed electrician. It acts as the first line of defence for your entire home, diverting excess voltage safely to earth before it can reach your circuits. For Brisbane homes that cop regular storms, it’s one of the best-value upgrades you can make.
Point-of-use protection
On top of whole-home protection, point-of-use surge protectors (the power-board style) add a second layer for individual high-value items like your home office setup or entertainment unit. The two work best together — the switchboard SPD handles the big hits, and point-of-use units mop up the smaller ones.
Is it worth it?
Consider the value of everything plugged in around your home — appliances, electronics, a solar system — against the cost of a surge device and professional install. A single storm can easily cause damage that dwarfs the cost of protection. For most Brisbane households, it’s an easy decision, especially heading into summer storm season.
Protect your home before the next storm
Integrated Trade Services installs whole-home surge protection at your switchboard across Brisbane — ideally sorted before storm season hits. It’s often done alongside a switchboard upgrade. Call 0400 775 002 for a quote.