Surge Protector Repair and Installation Sydney

What Causes a Power Surge

Lightning strikes are common causes of power surges. They’re attracted to electrical sources and can hit a home’s switchboard, generating a massive rush of power through to board into any device currently in operation.

It’s not only lightning strikes that cause these, though. Today’s overuse of devices in a home puts an extreme workload on a switchboard, and older ones that aren’t up to the task sometimes issue more power than is required. Faulty wiring, outdated power points, and switchboards are prime causes of power surges.

What is a Surge Protector?

A surge protector is a device that blocks the rush of power before it hits the device. During regular operation, it allows a steady flow of energy, but when there is an unexpected surge, it immediately cuts the supply. This action prevents damage to the device, which could prevent a fire if the additional power is sufficient enough.

Types of Surge Protectors

Three types of surge protectors are available for your property; it’s best to get advice from us at North Shore Electricians before deciding which one to choose.

Type	How it Works
Whole-house surge protection	This is a device that’s connected to the main switchboard. Its role is to shut down the power when a surge happens. It’s an inexpensive way to protect a home.
Power-pole surge protection	Properties with their own private power pole can install a surge protector; this will eliminate any power surges before they even reach the switchboard.
Strip surge protectors	If installing a surge protector to the switchboard or power pole isn’t an option (rental properties, for example), a portable surge protector can be moved from outlet to outlet. Plug and unplug the devices that need protection into the strip surge protector as required.

Installation and Repair of Surge Protectors

Only a licensed electrician can install a whole house or a power pole surge protector. As this requires disconnecting the street mains, it can only be performed by a level 2 electrician. 

If using strip surge protectors in your home, these are easily plugged into power sockets. However, it’s best to get advice from an electrician to determine if this is a suitable option for your devices. 

Cost to Instal or Repair a Surge Protector

A strip surge protector powerboard can be purchased from an electrical retailer, beginning at the $10 mark.

Whole-house and power-pole surge protectors range in price from $100–$350, depending on the size of the property and the volume of electricity it needs to protect.

We have negotiated prices with Sydney’s most trusted suppliers and can pass these savings on to you, our customer.

Our level 2 electricians charge by the hour, and a straightforward surge protector install or repair can take as little as an hour. For more complicated installations, it could take up to four. 

Why Choose North Shore Electricians for Surge Protector Installation and Repair

Installing or repairing a whole-house or power-pole surge protector comes with a level of danger as it’s working with electricity. It’s against the law in NSW for unqualified people to attempt this type of work.

Our North Shore Electricians team is qualified, licensed, and up-to-date with Australian standards. 

We’ve been installing surge protectors all over Sydney for over 20 years. We know the obstacles and limitations at some properties and can get to work immediately, saving you time and money.

A legal requirement when any electrical work is done is that a certificate of compliance for electrical work (CCEW) is provided to your energy provider and the Department of Fair Trading. As part of our service, we do this for you. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Surge Protectors

How long do surge protectors last?

Every time a surge protector is activated and protects your home, it diminishes. If you’re fortunate and it’s never needed, it can operate at total capacity for five years. It’s advisable to replace them every two years.

Are strip surge protectors as effective as whole-house?

Strip surge protectors only cover the specific devices that are plugged into them. It would be extremely unlucky if a surge came through a power socket that didn’t have a strip protector attached, but it could happen.

In some situations, like in a rental property where an owner isn’t prepared to pay for a whole-house surge protector, they’re certainly a viable option. If you’re the owner, take care of yourself and your family by fully protecting your home.

Why am I getting frequent power surges?

Even though many power surges are caused by lightning, you’re probably not experiencing multiple strikes. Instead, your home has old wiring that can’t meet the electricity requirements of all your devices. Your best option is to rewire your property or at least upgrade your switchboard to a more up-to-date one.

If you’re ready to protect your home against power surges, call us now at North Shore Electricians so we can install or repair a surge protector for you today.