Unpredictable weather, like storms and floods, are part of life. Therefore, it is important to take the time to prepare your family and your assets.
There are a number of simple steps you can take to protect personal safety, preserve electrical equipment, and deal with potential damage to your home’s electrical system. Make sure you are electrically safe by following these 7 tips:
1. Put safety first
Do not attempt to make repairs yourself if your property suffers storm damage, including your home’s electrical system and any affected electrical appliances. Be prepared before a storm or rainy season.
– Install a safety switch and test it regularly.
– Know where to turn off your power, gas and water supply in an emergency.
– Pack electrical equipment that is not in use and store it in a safe place.
2. Protect the system
Ask an electrician with experience in home electrical services about installing lightning protection on your switchboard to protect all appliances.
3. Unplug before the storm
– Unplug outdoor televisions and non-fixed antennas and store them in a dry place.
– When a storm is approaching, turn off and unplug sensitive appliances or equipment.
– Turn off your solar PV system using the safe isolation procedure.
4. Don’t go online during the storm
Do not use equipment connected directly to electricity, including the stove, during a thunderstorm.
– If you have run out of power, turn off plugs and unplug electrical equipment.
– Do not use a landline phone during a thunderstorm, as it may cause an electric shock.
– If flooding is expected, move electrical equipment to higher locations.
5. Be careful with cables
Don’t go out to check for damage before an electrician arrives, especially during a storm, as downed power lines are easily hidden and can be deadly.
– If you are in a car, stay away from power lines, trees, and waterways. Stay in your vehicle.
– If you have a solar photovoltaic system that has been damaged by a flood, storm or cyclone, you need to have an electrical contractor inspect the system and verify that it is safe.
– Check your electrical appliances and equipment. Using water-damaged equipment can cause electric shock and fire.
6. Call an electrician before your power distributor.
If the wires have been broken in a blackout, most homes will require internal repairs before power can be reconnected.
– Discard or have a licensed electrical contractor repair household electrical items affected by water, such as kettles, toasters, and televisions.
– Call a licensed electrician to check all wired electrical appliances, such as air conditioning units or stoves, intended for reuse. This safety check may be required before the power supply can be reconnected.
7. Trust your contractor
If you suffer storm damage, contact a local electrician. If you are using power from generators, it can be dangerous if mishandled.
– Connect your generator to your home’s electrical wiring using a generator changeover switch and an appropriate plug. These switches must be installed by a licensed electrical contractor.
– Do not connect your generator to your home using an outlet on a power circuit or any other connection point. This can cause dangerous “feedback”.
During stormy seasons, it is definitely worth taking extra care with your home’s electrical systems and equipment. The practical stops you make could reduce the risk of electrical fires and protect your family from potential hazards.