Surge Protectors     
Nearly all of us would home insurance that covers loss or damage associated with a power surge, the term usually found in the policy is “fusion”.  In Queensland, this type of event would normally occur during one of our spectacular electrical storms that occur during the summer months. 

Whilst it is great to have insurance to be covered from the financial loss incurred by such events.  It does nothing to mitigate the inconvenience and disruption of being without the utility of potentially ALL our electronic devices for an extended period until our claim can be processed and new appliances obtained.

We rely on the convenience and entertainment of our electronic devices to an increasing degree.  What would life be like at home without the use of the computer, laptop, wi-fi network, television, dvd, foxtel, espresso maker, electronically controlled washing machine or dryer?  The list of things we have come to rely on that have a printed circuit board with a cpu on it, is huge.
Happily, there is another type of “insurance” you can purchase to decrease the likelihood of your appliances being damaged in the first place.  For less than $400 you can get your licensed electrical contractor install a surge protector on your switchboard.  This device diverts any over-voltage spikes to ground (through your earth stake) rather than through your appliances, causing catastrophic damage to the electronic circuitry.

Your surge protector does wear out though and must be checked periodically. It can normally take 2 to 3 normal “surges” before it has to be replaced.  In most types there is an indicator window that is green, this turns to yellow when it is depleting, and then red when it is no longer effective.

So, before the storm season kicks in give your contractor a ring and ask him for a price to install a surge protector that is right for your installation.  Do this and avoid the danger of bored teenagers who can’t use the computer, cranky Dad’s who can’t watch the footy, and stressed wild-eyed Mum’s who can’t watch masterchef and need to do the washing next door.