Storm Power Surges

Are you protected?

At Oceanside Services we are dedicated to prevention, and as the storm season is almost upon us now is a great time to protect your home or office electronics from damaging power surges. If you’re in need of an emergency Gold Coast electrician, call us today!

Regular questions our customers ask:

1. What does the term “power surge” mean?

A power surge is basically excessive voltage surging through the power grid.

2. Why does a power surge occur?

Power surges occur when something increases or intensifies the electrical charge at a point on power lines, underground electrical cables or phone network infrastructure. This increase or surge of electrical charge causes a rise in the potential electrical energy. This flow of energy may very well increase the flow of current entering your premises.

3. What causes a power surge?

There are many considerations to take into account that may cause a power surge at your property.

• Lightning strikes: When lightning strikes near a power line (either underground, overhead or in a building), the electrical energy may be increased by millions of volts in a flash.

– Lightning strikes may be either severe enough to instantly damage an electronic or telecommunications item, or it may cause a gradual degeneration of an item.

• Switching on and off highly powered electronic devices:

– E.g. Air conditioners, Refrigerators, Compressors, Motors.

– The voltage flow may be upset momentarily when these items are switched on due to the increased amount of energy required to operate the items.

• Faulty Wiring.

• Problems with electrical or telecommunication infrastructure.

4. Why does a power surge damage my electronic and/or communication equipment?

• All electronic devices have a plus or minus voltage scale of operation.

• Our electricity network suppliers provide our homes and business properties with 230 Volts 50 Hz.

• Our electronic devices can handle a little variance plus or minus, however with a power surge, especially in the case of a lightning strike, the variance may be too large for the electronic device to handle, hence your valuable household or business electronic and communication equipment is damaged or destroyed.

5. What are some examples of household and business items that may be affected?

• Televisions, DVD’s, Foxtel.
• Computers, Modems, Routers, Printers.
• Refrigerators, Dryers, Washing Machines, Dishwashers, Ovens, Cooktops.
• Any equipment required at a place of work such as;
– photocopiers, bandsaws, printing equipment, drills, power saws, bakers ovens, cool rooms etc. The list is endless.

6. How am I able to better protect myself?

Easy, just follow these steps:

• Call Oceanside Services on 07 5520 7100.

• Our expert team will be able to organise a quotation for you to supply your residential and /or business premises main switchboard with an appropriate surge protection unit. This unit works to divert excessive voltage back to ground through your properties Earth stake rather than through your home or business and its electronic appliances and devices.

7. What if I have already experienced a power surge and have damage to my electronic equipment?

No problem.

• Call Oceanside Services on 07 5520 7100.

• We will be able to assess the damage, create a comprehensive report for your insurance company, including where necessary:

– Photographic evidence
– Costs to repair
– Quotes to replace damaged items

Don’t take chances with your valuable equipment. Preventative action may save you dollars and the ever precious, TIME and DATA lost in the long run.