September 27, 2026 · by David Gilbert · 4 min read · Tips & Guides
As the weather warms up, so does the risk of sudden storms — and with them, power surges that can damage or destroy your electronics in a fraction of a second. A single lightning strike or grid fluctuation can take out a computer, television, or modem instantly. The good news is that protecting your gear is simple and inexpensive once you know what to do. Here's how to weather the season safely.
What a Power Surge Actually Does
A power surge is a brief spike in electrical voltage. Your devices are designed for a steady, predictable supply, so when far more voltage arrives than expected, sensitive internal components can be fried in an instant. Surges can come from lightning, but also from the power grid itself, from large appliances switching on and off, and from faults on the line. The damage is often permanent and, frustratingly, not always obvious straight away.
Use Quality Surge Protectors
The first line of defence is a good surge protector. Importantly, this is not the same as a basic power board — many cheap power boards offer no surge protection at all. A proper surge protector is designed to absorb voltage spikes and shield whatever's plugged into it. Use them for your computer, modem, television, and other valuable electronics. They're inexpensive insurance for far more expensive gear.
Don't Forget the Data Line
Here's something many people miss: surges can travel through your phone and internet lines as well as your power lines. If you want to fully protect a modem or computer, look for a surge protector that also guards the data connection, not just the power. A storm can reach your equipment through the network cable just as easily as the wall socket.
Unplug During Severe Storms
No surge protector is perfect, and a direct lightning strike can overwhelm even a good one. When a serious storm is rolling in, the safest thing of all is to switch off and physically unplug your most valuable electronics. It takes a couple of minutes and completely removes the risk. If you're heading away during storm season, unplugging before you leave is a wise habit.
Back Up, Just in Case
Surge protection guards your hardware, but what about your data? If a surge does get through and damages your computer, a recent backup means you haven't lost your files along with the machine. Storm season is a timely reminder to make sure your important data is safely backed up, ideally with a copy in the cloud.
Consider Whole-Home Protection
For more comprehensive peace of mind, whole-home surge protection can be installed at your switchboard, guarding everything in the house against surges coming from outside. It's worth considering if you've invested heavily in electronics or have been caught out before.
Be Ready Before the Next Storm
Replace Old Surge Protectors
Here's something many people don't realise: surge protectors wear out. Each time they absorb a spike, their protective capacity is gradually used up, so a unit that's been guarding your gear for many years — especially through a few storms — may no longer be doing much at all. If you can't remember when you last replaced yours, it's worth treating them as consumable items and fitting fresh ones before storm season. A surge protector that looks fine can still be long past its useful life inside.
A little preparation now can save you from an expensive, frustrating loss later. If you'd like advice on protecting your home or business electronics, or you've had gear damaged by a surge and need it assessed, Your Local Tech Solutions is here to help. Get in touch before the next big storm rolls through.
