Modern homes rely on more electronic equipment than ever before.
Televisions, computers, Wi-Fi equipment, appliances, security systems, air conditioners, pool equipment, gate motors, inverters and other electronics are part of everyday life. While these devices make our homes more convenient, they can also be vulnerable to sudden changes in electrical voltage.
For homeowners in Ballito and along the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast, surge protection can form an important part of protecting a home's electrical installation and connected equipment.
But what exactly is an electrical surge? What causes one? And does installing surge protection mean your appliances are completely protected?
Here's what homeowners should know.
What Is an Electrical Power Surge?
An electrical surge is a sudden increase in voltage within an electrical system.
These increases can happen extremely quickly. Depending on their severity, they may place stress on electrical equipment and sensitive electronic components.
Power surges aren't caused only by lightning.
They can also be associated with switching events within an electrical system or electricity supply network. South Africa's electrical installation standard specifically recognises surge protective devices as a means of protecting installations against transient overvoltages and surge currents caused by switching operations and atmospheric events such as lightning.
What Can Cause Power Surges in a Home?
There are several potential sources.
Lightning and Storm Activity
Lightning is probably the cause most homeowners associate with electrical surges.
A lightning strike does not necessarily have to hit your house directly for electrical systems to experience the effects of an induced surge.
Electrical Switching
Switching operations within an electrical installation or supply network can create temporary voltage disturbances.
Problems Within the Electrical Installation
Faults, loose connections and deteriorating electrical components can contribute to electrical problems within a property.
If you're already experiencing unexplained electrical problems, professional electrical fault finding may be required rather than simply installing surge protection.
Changes in Power Supply
Disturbances associated with the electricity supply can also place stress on sensitive electrical equipment.
The important point is that not every surge has the same cause or severity , which is why the appropriate protection should be determined according to the electrical installation.
What Is a Surge Protective Device?
A Surge Protective Device, commonly called an SPD , is designed to limit transient overvoltage and divert surge current.
Depending on the installation, surge protection can be incorporated into the property's electrical system at the distribution board, with additional protection used closer to sensitive equipment where appropriate.
SANS 10142-1 contains specific requirements governing the selection and installation of SPDs where they are installed. SAPVIA
For homeowners, the important distinction is between professional protection incorporated into the electrical installation and the small plug-in surge-protection products commonly sold for individual appliances.
They are not necessarily interchangeable solutions.
Isn't a Plug-In Surge Protector Enough?
Not always.
A plug-in surge protector may provide a level of protection for individual equipment, but it should not automatically be considered a replacement for appropriately specified surge protection within the electrical installation.
The best approach depends on factors such as:
- the property's electrical installation;
- the equipment being protected;
- the potential sources of surge events;
- existing protection;
- the distribution board configuration; and
- whether additional electrical systems such as solar, inverters or generators are installed.
A qualified electrician can assess the property and recommend an appropriate solution.
What Equipment Can Be Vulnerable to Electrical Surges?
Many modern devices contain sensitive electronic components.
These may include televisions, computers, routers, smart-home systems, alarm systems, gate motors, air-conditioning equipment, pool equipment, kitchen appliances and entertainment systems.
Solar and inverter systems also introduce additional electrical equipment into a home, making correct system design and protection particularly important.
Laatz Electrical provides solar, inverter and generator installations alongside its residential electrical services. Laatz Electrical
Can a Power Surge Damage an Appliance Without Destroying It?
Electrical damage isn't always immediately obvious.
A significant surge can result in immediate equipment failure, while repeated electrical disturbances may potentially contribute to stress on sensitive components.
If several appliances or electrical devices begin behaving unusually after a storm or electrical event, it may be worthwhile having the installation assessed.
Laatz Electrical already provides surge-damage assessment and electrical fault diagnosis as part of its fault-finding services. Laatz Electrical
Signs Your Electrical System Should Be Inspected
Surge protection isn't the solution to every electrical problem.
Arrange an electrical inspection if you're experiencing issues such as:
- circuit breakers repeatedly tripping;
- unexplained loss of power;
- flickering lights;
- burning smells;
- warm plug points;
- buzzing from switches or the distribution board;
- damaged electrical equipment following a storm; or
- recurring electrical faults.
If your circuit breaker repeatedly trips, read our guide Why Your Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping and What to Do .
Frequent tripping can indicate an underlying fault that should be identified rather than repeatedly resetting the breaker. Laatz Electrical
Does Every Home Need Surge Protection?
There isn't a simple one-size-fits-all answer.
The appropriate surge-protection strategy depends on the property's electrical installation, its exposure and the electrical systems and equipment installed.
SANS 10142-1 provides for SPDs to protect installations against transient overvoltages and surge currents and specifies circumstances where surge protection is necessary, including structures equipped with external lightning protection systems. SAPVIA
This is why a professional assessment is preferable to simply purchasing a device and assuming the property is protected.
Local Expert Tip: Don't Wait Until After a Storm
Ballito and North Coast homeowners often think about surge protection only after electrical equipment has been damaged.
A better time to assess your electrical protection is before there is a problem .
This is particularly worthwhile if you have recently renovated, installed expensive electronic equipment, added solar or inverter backup, or haven't had the property's electrical system inspected for some time.
Surge Protection and Your Distribution Board
The distribution board—or DB board—is at the heart of your home's electrical installation.
It houses protective devices and distributes electricity across the various circuits in the property.
When assessing surge protection, an electrician may therefore also need to look at the condition, configuration and capacity of the existing distribution board.
Older DB boards may not necessarily be suitable for modern electrical demands or planned additions without modification.
This leads directly into another important question for homeowners: does your distribution board need upgrading?
We'll cover that in our next guide.
Areas We Service
Laatz Electrical provides residential electrical services throughout Ballito, Dolphin Coast, Salt Rock, Shaka's Rock, Umhlali and surrounding areas of the KZN North Coast . The company also provides 24/7 emergency electrical assistance. Laatz Electrical
Frequently Asked Questions
What does surge protection do?
Surge protective devices are designed to help protect electrical installations and equipment against transient overvoltages and surge currents.
Does surge protection protect against lightning?
SPDs can form part of protection against surge currents and overvoltages associated with lightning, but no single device should be treated as a guarantee against every possible lightning event.
Can surge protection be installed in an existing home?
In many cases, surge protection can be incorporated into an existing electrical installation, but the distribution board and overall installation should first be assessed to determine the appropriate solution.
Do I still need plug-in surge protectors?
That depends on the protection strategy and the equipment concerned. Protection at different points in an installation can serve different purposes.
Who should install surge protection?
Surge protection incorporated into a home's fixed electrical installation should be selected and installed by an appropriately qualified electrical professional in accordance with applicable standards.
Protect Your Home's Electrical System
If you're concerned about electrical surges or want to know whether your home would benefit from additional protection, Laatz Electrical can assess your electrical installation and recommend an appropriate solution.
Request an electrical inspection or surge-protection assessment from Laatz Electrical.
Reviewed by Laatz Electrical
This article has been reviewed by the experienced team at Laatz Electrical, electrical contractors serving Ballito and the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast.
Laatz Electrical specialises in residential, commercial and industrial electrical services, including electrical fault finding, repairs, maintenance, installations and preventative maintenance.
The goal of our electrical guides is to provide practical information that helps homeowners, business owners, builders, property developers and property managers make informed decisions about electrical safety and maintenance.
Related Electrical Services
- Electrical Inspections
- Electrical Fault Finding
- Distribution Board Upgrades
- Residential Electrical Services
- Solar & Inverter Installations
Continue Reading
Need Electrical Service Fast? Call for Immediate Assistance
Recent Posts
