Don’t wait for the lightning to strike, get your electrical storm protection sorted and stormproof your home now.
Storm season brings its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to protecting your home’s electrical system. With heavy rains, strong winds, and lightning strikes on the cards, one power surge or exposed cable can quickly turn into a serious safety hazard.
This blog walks you through the smart steps every homeowner should take to ensure their electrical system is storm-ready. Because when the weather turns, you want peace of mind that your home, and everything plugged into it, is protected.
Let’s break it down.
One of the biggest threats during a storm is a power surge. A single strike of lightning can send a massive voltage spike through your home’s wiring, damaging everything from your fridge to your smart TV.
At the very least, you should be using surge protectors on your valuable electronics. But for proper protection, especially in storm-prone areas, we recommend going one step further with whole-house surge protection.
Installed at your switchboard, this system guards your entire electrical setup from incoming surges before they hit your circuits. Pair it with circuit interrupters, and you’ve got a solid line of defence against both external spikes and internal overloads.
It’s a small investment that can save you thousands in appliance replacements, and a whole lot of headaches.
Blackouts are a common part of storm season. And when the lights go out, a reliable backup power system can make all the difference, especially if you’re working from home, keeping food cold, or need power for medical equipment.
Portable generators are a good starting point, but for a more seamless power solution, consider a permanent backup generator paired with an automatic transfer switch (ATS). The ATS detects a power outage and automatically switches your home to generator power, no fumbling in the dark, and no manual reset required.
Another option? An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for key devices like modems, computers, or security systems. It won’t power your whole house, but it will buy you time and prevent unexpected shutdowns.
If you rely on electricity, don’t wait until you’re stuck without it.
Wiring doesn’t last forever, and it’s especially vulnerable in wild weather. Moisture, falling tree branches, and even shifting ground can all affect your electrical system.
Check that any outdoor cabling is properly insulated, secured, and protected from the elements. Weatherproof enclosures around outdoor power points and junction boxes are essential to prevent water ingress, which can lead to dangerous faults or corrosion.
Inside your home, get an electrician to inspect any older or exposed wiring, especially in roof cavities or underfloor areas. Replacing aged cabling is a critical part of your home’s overall electrical storm protection strategy.
Proactive maintenance now means fewer nasty surprises later.
When in doubt, shut it down.
Every homeowner should know how to turn off power at the main switchboard. It’s your first line of defence in an emergency, like flooding, a suspected fire, or serious electrical fault. Cutting the power can prevent further damage, reduce fire risk, and help keep your family safe while waiting for help.
Take five minutes to locate your main shutoff switch, label it clearly, and ensure everyone in the household knows how to use it. It’s one of the simplest, most overlooked electrical safety steps you can take during storm season.
And if you’re unsure? We’ll happily walk you through it during your next appointment.
Electrical storm protection isn’t just about ticking some boxes, it’s about knowing your home can handle whatever mother nature throws at it.
At Astley Electrical, we help Sydney homeowners stormproof their homes with practical, safety-first solutions. From surge protection and generator installs to weatherproof wiring and emergency prep, we do it the right way… no shortcuts and no gimmicks.
Need to get your electrical system storm-ready?
Get in touch with Astley Electrical today. We’ll help you stay powered up, protected, and prepared: rain, hail or lightning.