The sun is out and Sydneysiders are breathing a collective sigh of relief that the wind, rain and hail is behind us. The Sydney Storm caused widespread damage from the Hunter all the way down to Wollongong. After the wild and woolly weather last week there are still homes across Sydney with no power. Electric Express has been keeping busy with electrical repairs all over the North Shore and Northern Beaches, helping our neighbours with blown fuses, broken power lines and water damaged electrical devices.
Many of the problems that we experience after storms need to be handled by professionals. When it comes to electrical problems it’s important that they are handled properly using the correct equipment in order to avoid possible harm to you, your family or your electrics. We have put together a list of the common issues our clients experience after wild weather and how to handle and solve the problems without putting yourself in danger.
Power Lines Down
This has to be one of the most common issues after a big storm. If you experience broken power lines, do not approach them. Even an experienced electrician can’t identify whether a power line is live using sight alone. The best thing to do in this situation is to first contact emergency services or your local electricity distribution entity. If the broken wire isn’t on your property but on your street it will have to be repaired by Ausgrid.
In most cases, electrical equipment is the responsibility of the homeowner from where the wires attach to the house. This means the wire that comes from the power pole and connects to your home is generally your responsibility. A licensed electrical repairs contractor can carry out tests on your switchboard and wiring before attending to electrical repairs on the affected line.
Water and electrical surge damaged appliances
When the power goes out and comes back on in a hurry our homes can experience power surges that can damage our electricals. If you have damaged electric appliances, Electric Express can replace the wiring and repair the issue. In order to avoid this happening again in the future we can also install surge protectors that will save your appliances from damage.
If the storm caused leaks or flooding at your home you may have water damaged appliances. When electrical devices come in contact with water it is very important that you do not attempt to plug them into electricity to test whether they are functioning. Damaged appliances can cause electric shocks and fires. Either dispose of the water-affected items or have your licensed electrician out to complete the electrical repairs.
Fuse box issues
After a storm it can become frustrating when you plug in an appliance and have your electricity spontaneously turn off. If this is something you have experienced it is usually evidence that the appliance needs replacing or your fuse box needs electrical repairs. If there is an electrical appliance or wiring that has been damaged during a storm it can trip your safety switch.
Simple fuse box checks can be carried out by the homeowner, in some cases flicking the safety switch back over could be enough to fix the issue. However, if the problem is ongoing it’s best to call out the professionals for electrical repairs. Electric Express will inspect your fuse box, replace anything that needs fixing and isolate the issue to prevent it from happening again.
If you are experiencing any strange issues at your place after the weather and you have a feeling there may be a deeper issue don’t hesitate to give us a call. We can give you advice on whether the problem you describe is an issue at your home or an issue with the grid. Electric Express will inspect your electrics, conduct a safety check, identify and repair any problems. We pride ourselves on our prompt response time and we are available seven days a week. Contact us today to speak to a professional about your electrical repairs.