G'day! We have all invested a fair bit of coin into our home entertainment systems, home offices, and kitchen appliances. From the big screen telly for the footy to the fridge keeping the beverages cold, modern homes are packed with sensitive technology. However, Australia is known for its wild weather, and summer storms bring more than just rain. A single lightning strike or a fluctuation in the grid can send a voltage spike through your wiring that renders your expensive gear completely cactus.

This is why surge protectors are a non-negotiable item for any Aussie household. They act as the first line of defence, sacrificing themselves to save your equipment from electrical damage. Understanding the difference between a standard power board and a proper protection device could save you thousands in replacement costs.

How Do They Work?

A power surge is a sudden, temporary increase in voltage that exceeds the standard 240 volts. While they last only a fraction of a second, they can burn out the delicate microchips inside computers and smart appliances.

Surge protectors contain a component called a Metal Oxide Varistor (MOV). Under normal conditions, the MOV does nothing. However, when it detects a voltage spike, it instantly diverts the excess electricity away from your devices and into the ground wire. It effectively "clamps" the voltage to a safe level. Over time, these components wear out, which is why high-quality units have indicator lights to tell you they are still functioning.

Point-of-Use vs Whole House Protection

There are two main ways to protect your home, and a robust strategy often involves using both.

Portable Power Boards These are the most common surge protectors found in homes. You plug them into a wall socket, and then plug your TV or computer into the board. They are excellent for protecting specific clusters of equipment. When shopping for these, look for a high "Joule" rating. The higher the number, the more energy the unit can absorb before it fails.

Whole House Protection For the ultimate peace of mind, you can install a surge diverter directly into your main switchboard. This device sits at the entry point of your power supply and protects every single circuit in the house, including hardwired appliances like air conditioners and ovens that cannot be plugged into a power board.

Don't DIY the Hard Stuff

While buying a plug-in board is easy, installing protection at the switchboard is a serious job. You cannot do this yourself.

In Australia, any work involving the main switchboard or fixed wiring must be carried out by a licensed electrician. They will assess your main earthing system to ensure the surge diverter can actually dump the excess power safely. A professional installer knows that safety is paramount, which is why they typically source their components from a reputable electrical wholesaler to guarantee the products meet strict Australian Standards.

Sourcing Professional Gear

If you want to ensure your home is protected by the best, you need to buy where the tradespeople buy. Supermarket power boards often lack the capacity to handle serious Aussie storms.

Schnap Electric Products is a premier supplier for the trade industry in Australia. They stock a comprehensive range of power protection devices, from heavy-duty portable surge protectors to the industrial-grade diverters used in main switchboards. By supplying the same high-quality gear you would find on the shelves of a major electrical wholesaler, Schnap Electric ensures your valuable electronics have the best possible defence against the unpredictable. Don't wait for the next storm to roll in; get your protection sorted with Schnap Electric.