Check safely before blaming the surge
Rule out the simple things first. Look at the switchboard for a tripped safety switch or breaker, without removing any covers. Plug a lamp or phone charger you know works into the same point. Check the appliance's own switch and any reset button its manual describes. If the point works and the appliance still shows no lights or display, the fault is in the appliance.
Don't open it up, and don't keep switching on something that smells burnt or made a bang. Hardwired equipment such as an air conditioner, oven or hot water controller can't be tested at a power point, so if one of those failed, have its circuit checked by a licensed electrician as well as calling the appliance repairer.
What to record
Write down the date and time of the storm or outage, what failed and what still works. Photograph each appliance's model and serial label and any visible damage, and keep the damaged item rather than throwing it out. Your home and contents insurer will tell you what it needs, which often includes a repairer's report on the cause. It's also worth asking your electricity distributor whether there was a network fault in your street at the time.
If several things failed at once, have the board looked at. A switchboard surge device usually has an indicator you can check through the open switchboard door, leaving every cover in place. A poor earth connection also leaves appliances more exposed to spikes, and that is something an electrician tests.
Lowering the risk next time
Energy Safe Victoria explains that a surge diverter captures voltage spikes in the wiring that would otherwise pass into your equipment. Fitted at the switchboard it covers every circuit, including hardwired air conditioners, and surge-protected power boards add a second layer at the TV, computer and modem. It lowers the risk rather than removing it: no household device stops a direct lightning strike. During a power failure, Energy Safe Victoria also advises turning off and unplugging appliances at the power point to help prevent surge damage.
What you can safely do now
- Leave the failed appliance unplugged.
- Check the switchboard for a tripped device and reset it once, without removing covers.
- Test the power point with a small appliance you know works.
- Photograph the model label and any damage, and keep the item for your insurer or repairer.
- Stay well clear of fallen powerlines and anything touching them, and report them to your electricity distributor.
Services that can help
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Related questions
- Should I unplug appliances during a thunderstorm?For sensitive and expensive electronics, yes, ideally before the storm arrives.
- Why didn't everything come back on after a power outage?When the power comes back, some things need help to restart.
- My air conditioner won't restart after a power outage. What now?Give it a few minutes first.
- Why can I hear crackling in my walls or ceiling?Most creaks and ticks in walls and ceilings come from timber, roofing and pipes expanding and contracting, or from animals.
Sources for this answer
4 sources, with the date each was checked
- 1.Energy Safe Victoria: Surge diverters protect the property from voltage surges such as those resulting from a lightning strike. The surge diverter captures the voltage spikes in the wiring that would otherwise be transferred into the… Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 2.Energy Safe Victoria: In the event of a power failure turn off and unplug all electrical appliances at the powerpoint. This will help to prevent equipment damage in the event of a power surge. Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 3.Energy Safe Victoria: Locate your electricity box outside your home and check whether the safety switch has tripped. If it has tripped, reset the switch. If the switch won’t reset, call a licensed electrician. Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 4.Energy Safe Victoria: Who do I contact to fix fallen or unsafe powerlines, a rotting or damaged power pole, or a leaning pole? Contact your local power company, also known as the electricity distribution company Accessed 30 September 2026.
General information for homes in Victoria. Every installation is different, so treat this as a starting point. Where this answer refers to Victorian safety or rental rules, the sources above have the current requirements.