Storm Damage and Your Home's Electrics: What to Do Before You Switch Anything Back On

Melbourne storms can bring down trees, cut power and send water into places it should never reach. When the lights come back on, the instinct is to flick the switch and carry on. But a storm can damage wiring, switchboards and appliances in ways you cannot see, and switching on a damaged installation is one of the most dangerous things you can do. Here is what to do, and what to avoid, before you restore power after a storm.

First: Stay Away From Fallen Powerlines

Always treat a fallen powerline as live, even if it looks broken or the lights are out. Energy Safe Victoria's advice in its storms and energy safety guidance is to stay at least 8 metres away from anything a fallen powerline is touching, including fences, trees and puddles. Some distributors advise 10 metres, so keep well back and treat more distance as safer. Do not try to move debris near a line. Report it to your electricity distributor, and if anyone is in danger, call 000.

If Your Power Goes Out

When the power fails, switch off or unplug appliances and equipment before supply returns. When power is restored it can arrive with a surge, which can damage sensitive electronics. Energy Safe Victoria also advises turning off the switches on your switchboard, including circuit breakers and safety switches, before the main power comes back, then switching the main switch on first and the circuit breakers on one at a time. Doing it gradually makes it much easier to spot a circuit with a fault.

Flickering or Dim Lights During a Storm

Dull or flickering lights, low voltage or partial supply during or after a storm can indicate a problem with the supply or your wiring. Energy Safe Victoria's advice is not to touch the switchboard or anything metal in your home while this is happening. Contact your distributor and, if the problem continues after supply is restored, have a licensed electrician check your installation.

After the Storm: Check Before You Switch On

Once the storm has passed and it is safe to move around, look for visible damage to cables, wiring and electrical equipment, both inside and outside your home. If you find any, do not turn the power on, do not touch the damaged equipment or cable, and call a licensed electrician to make it safe. If your switchboard has been damaged by the weather, do not touch it. Call a licensed electrician after the storm, and treat any outdoor power points, lights, meter boxes and service cables that look cracked, loose or soaked as suspect until they have been checked.

If Water Has Entered Your Home

Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. Energy Safe Victoria's flood safety guidance is that if water has entered the property, you should not put the power back on until the wiring has been tested by a licensed electrician. If the area around your switchboard is wet or flooded, do not approach it. Wait for your distributor or an electrician to advise you, and do not use any appliance that has been soaked until it has been checked, since moisture inside can leave a hidden hazard long after it looks dry.

Solar Panels and Batteries

Solar panels can produce electricity during daylight hours, which means they can be a safety risk even when the grid power is off. Never go near damaged panels, cables or a battery, and do not attempt to inspect or repair them yourself. If you have a home battery, our guide to home battery storage in Melbourne explains how these systems are installed, and any storm damage to one should be assessed by a licensed electrician.

Generators: Never Plug One Into a Wall Socket

Energy Safe Victoria warns against powering your house by plugging a generator into a wall socket or connecting it to your switchboard. It is a safety risk to you, to utility workers repairing the network, and to neighbours on the same supply. A generator should be connected through a properly installed arrangement carried out by a licensed electrician, which we cover in our guide to home generator installation in Melbourne.

When You Need a Licensed Electrician

• Your switchboard, meter box or service cable has been damaged or soaked.
• Water has entered your home or reached power points and appliances.
• You can see damaged cables, wiring or fittings.
• A safety switch or circuit breaker will not stay on after power returns.
• You notice a burning smell, buzzing, scorch marks or warm power points.
• Solar or battery equipment has been affected.

After repairs to damaged wiring, ask for a Certificate of Electrical Safety. It is the record that the work has been done safely, and your distributor may need it before reconnecting supply. If a safety switch keeps tripping after a storm, our guide to why a safety switch keeps tripping explains the usual causes.

Getting Ready Before the Next Storm

• Make sure everyone in the house knows where the switchboard is and how to switch off power, gas and water.
• Test your safety switches. Our guide to safety switch installation explains why they matter and what to do if your home does not have them on every circuit.
• Have an old or crowded switchboard assessed, using the warning signs in our guide to whether your switchboard is safe.
• Have outdoor, pool and garden wiring checked, since these are the most exposed circuits. Our guide to pool and spa electrical safety covers one of the highest risk areas.
• Ask a licensed electrician whether surge protection suits your home.

Servicing Melbourne's Northern Suburbs

EAY Electrical carries out electrical safety checks, switchboard assessments and repairs across Melbourne's inner north west and northern suburbs, including Strathmore, Essendon, Moonee Ponds, Pascoe Vale, Ascot Vale, Coburg and Brunswick West. Every job is carried out by a fully licensed electrician.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far should I stay from a fallen powerline?

Energy Safe Victoria says to stay at least 8 metres away from anything a fallen powerline is touching, and to treat every fallen line as live. Report it to your distributor, and call 000 if anyone is in danger.

Is it safe to turn the power back on after an outage?

Only if you have checked for damage and no water has entered the property. Switch off appliances first, then turn on the main switch and the circuit breakers one at a time. If you find damage, leave the power off and call a licensed electrician.

Do I need an electrician if water got into my home?

Yes. Energy Safe Victoria's advice is not to restore power until a licensed electrician has tested the wiring if water has entered the property.

Can I use a generator to power my house?

Not by plugging it into a wall socket or the switchboard. That is dangerous for you and for utility workers. Generator connections should be installed by a licensed electrician.

Why does my safety switch keep tripping after a storm?

Moisture in wiring, outdoor fittings or appliances is a common cause. If it will not stay on, leave it off and have a licensed electrician find the fault.