Lightning may not strike often, but when it does, it can cause big problems. The average bolt of cloud to ground lightning contains around 1,000,000,000 joules of energy. That is enough power to run a 60-watt lightbulb for half a year and a refrigerator with its door open for a full day.

The Top End is known for its spectacular storms. Over one Christmas Day, the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) recorded over 91,000 strikes in the Darwin region. The area provides the three main ingredients for intense lighting: moisture, heat, and instability.

Even if you don’t live in Darwin, you should still be concerned about lighting protection. An estimated five to 10 people are killed, and 100 more are seriously injured by strikes each year. Lightning can also cause thousands of dollars in property damage.

What Is a Lightning Protection System?

A lightning protection system uses rods that are positioned at intervals on the highest points of a structure. These are strategically installed at the highest-risk locations. They connect to conductor cables that provide a safe path to the ground.

Today’s lightning rods are a little different than they used to be. They are much smaller and can usually be installed so that they blend with the building’s architecture.

Does a Lightning Protection System Attract Strikes?

It may sound counterintuitive to install something that looks like it attracts lighting, but these systems work. They won’t increase your risk, because lightning strikes when and where it pleases. It doesn’t care if you have a rod in place or not. Lightning can also strike structures at a lower elevation or on the ground.

When a strike occurs, the rods will make sure that the energy generated moves safely down and away from your home. Without them, your property could be severely damaged or burn down.

Side flashes can also occur. A side flash happens when electrical current jumps from the object that was struck to nearby bodies. That can include people and animals. Lightning protection can help shield your property from side flashes as well as full-on lightning strikes.

Do I Need Lightning Protection on All Buildings on My Property?

It is best to protect all buildings on your property as much as possible. Building codes may not require it, but it can save you a lot of money and safeguard the people inside the structure. Consider the items that you have stored in a building. Would you be ok losing its contents in the event of a strike or fire caused by a strike?

Human safety is another concern. If the building is a home or business where people will spend a lot of time, it should be protected.

Lightning protection is available for structures of all sizes, from small residential properties to big office buildings or industrial facilities. The first step is to request an estimate for a lightning system installation. Spending the money now could save you thousands of dollars during the next thunderstorm.

Most people used to rely on incandescent lights to brighten their homes. Today, household lighting uses a variety of bulbs. These are often more efficient than what was available years ago. It can be difficult to know which type of bulb is the best option for you. The first step is understanding the technology and how it can lower your expenses and increase efficiency.

LED Light Bulbs Explained

Light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, are a popular choice for many lighting applications. They offer superior lifespan and are highly energy efficient. They emit direct light rather than diffused light and are often used as a component in circuitry. Once they reach the end of their lifespan, they don’t just burn out like incandescent bulbs. They tend to fade out, providing some illumination.

LED bulbs last as much as 10 times longer than halogen products and uses 25% of the energy consumed to generate the same amount of lighting. Some appliances and fixtures utilise smart technology that includes LED bulbs. This can sometimes counteract the money-saving benefits by lowering efficiency when left on in standby modes. Otherwise, they offer a great alternative to incandescent bulbs because they consume 75% less energy and last 25 times longer.

CFL Bulbs Explained

Compact fluorescent lights, or CFL bulbs, are another energy-saving option. They require one-fourth of the energy used by incandescent lights. Much like LED bulbs, they can last as much as 10 times longer. They are quiet and offer warmer colour compared to older fluorescent technology.

Some households prefer CFL over LEDs because they are cheaper to buy. However, they are not quite as efficient as LEDs and only last about half as long. They also contain a small amount of mercury (approximately 4 milligrams per bulb). They don’t break easily, but if they do, proper safety precautions should be taken when removing the pieces and cleaning up. Homeowners should review the recommended procedure before using CFL bulbs so that they are prepared in case of an accident.

Halogen Bulbs Explained

Halogen bulbs are a type of incandescent lighting. They are similar in appearance and functionality. However, they are 30% more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs. They also offer a longer life span.

Halogen lights are not as efficient as CFL or LED bulbs. They cost less, making them an appealing short-term option. People who aren’t ready or don’t have the money to invest in expensive LEDs or CFLs can opt for halogen to help lower utility bill costs. The average halogen light uses approximately 35W to 50W and emits illumination that’s similar to natural daylight.

What Type of Light Globe Should I Use?

Each type of light globe offers different benefits. Halogen is a cost-effective option that will help a household begin to lower their energy consumption. LEDs are more expensive but provide an impressive lifespan and significant efficiency. CFLs are a good middle ground if someone isn’t prepared to pay for an LED but wants more energy savings than a halogen will provide. Remember to also consider wattage, brightness, shape, and colour before choosing a new light globe for your home.

Any household that uses electronic devices and appliances should be prepared to deal with a power surge. Our lives are increasingly more reliant on modern technology. That means we are consuming more energy daily. This works fine most of the time. However, occasionally, there are instances where power fluctuates. This can potentially damage the electronic devices we rely on.

What Happens During a Power Surge?

A power surge happens when something causes a boost of energy along the power line. This can increase current that flows into your outlets. Common power surge causes include:

• Utility company switching power grids or experiencing problems with equipment
• Lightning strikes near a power line, boosting electrical pressure
• High-power devices like refrigerators, air conditioners, and heaters switching on
• Faulty wiring that needs to be repaired or updated

The severity of the power surge will depend on what caused it and how much energy is generated. For example, lightning strikes can produce millions of volts of pressure. They are strong enough to burn out routers, computer monitors, and televisions. A power surge caused by a device or appliance is not likely to be nearly as severe as one caused by lightning. It may not be as strong, but it can still be damaging.

What Should I Do After a Power Surge?

The first thing you should do is disconnect and reset all electronic devices. Once everything is unplugged, you can reset the circuit breaker. This should restore power back to normal functionality, assuming there isn’t a widespread outage.

Next, you should assess your home to check for any damage. Inspect all electronics and appliances. You should turn them off and on one at a time to ensure that everything is still working. Also, reset your HVAC system and have someone inspect it for damage.

How Can I Protect My Home from Power Surges?

The good news is that there are steps you can take now to protect your home and valuables from power surges.

First, keep all trees and foliage trimmed back from your home and power lines. Branches can touch or grow onto power lines, which can lead to power surges. Keeping them back will help reduce the risk. Talk to your utility company if limbs are too close to power lines and equipment to trim safely.

You can unplug small devices when not in use. If they aren’t connected to a power source, then they won’t be damaged in the event of a surge. Also, evaluate your home’s wiring and electronic components. Older properties may need an update. An aging electrical system can be dangerous.

Make sure you have quality surge protectors in use, especially connected to your high-end electronic devices like sound systems, computers, and televisions. Use a product that is specifically rated for this purpose and not just a basic power board. A surge protector that provides 600 Joules or higher is ideal.

Keep in mind that even with a surge protector, electronics can be damaged in the event of an extreme power surge, like one caused by lightning. The best course of action is to unplug expensive devices when you know a storm is coming. Taking these precautions can protect your home and help you save money on replacement appliances.

Power boards are a common find in many Australian homes. This is especially true in areas where homes are older. Decades ago, people did not have as many electrical devices as they do now. Today, we do more than power our television or refrigerator with electricity. We also use it to run computers, gaming consoles, and a long list of household appliances. It’s also necessary to recharge the phones we carry with us all day long.

A home that was built years ago may have been designed with only one or two outlets per room. Power boards provide a way to expand electrical access without rewiring and installing new outlets.

The 3 Types of Power Boards

While many brands make power boards, these generally fall into three main categories:

• Basic Power Board – A basic model will get the job done most of the time. However, it does not offer anything in the way of protection. This is the cheapest option, usually available for under $10. It serves as an extender for your outlet – and that’s it. Plug it in, and you’ll have more space to power devices.

When purchased from a reputable retailer, basic power boards should meet Australian safety standards with overload protection, but they will not provide surge protection.

• Surge Protector Power Board – A power board with surge protection is a better choice. These cost a bit more, usually up to $30 depending on quality and size. They work with a metal oxide varistor, or MOV, that diverts current to earth during a power surge.

Each surge causes the power board to degrade, so it will eventually need to be replaced. If you see scorch marks on the board, that means the MOV is burned out, and you need a new one.

• Insured Power Boards – Insured power boards are surge protected but come with an additional benefit: insurance. That means there is coverage in case an appliance is damaged when using the board during a power surge.

These are even more costly, usually between $50 and $100 each. You should always read the fine print because coverage and payout limitations will vary from one company to the next.

Which Power Boards Are the Safest for My Home?

Your best option is to go with a power board that offers as many features as possible. Those that are also a surge protector and include things like child-safety features and RCDs (safety switches) will give you the best protection.

The downside is that those with more features also tend to cost more, but it is usually worth it in the end. Consider the value of the appliances and devices that will be shielded in case of a power surge. It’s also impossible to put a monetary value on the safety of loved ones.

When using any power board, always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Don’t exceed the maximum power rating, do not piggyback multiple boards, and check often for signs of wear and damage.