Should I unplug appliances during a thunderstorm?

Should I unplug appliances in a thunderstorm?

The short answer

For sensitive and expensive electronics, yes, ideally before the storm arrives. Unplug TVs, computers, modems and game consoles, and disconnect any aerial or data cable too. Don't handle plugs while lightning is close. If the power goes out, Energy Safe Victoria says to turn off and unplug appliances at the power point to help prevent damage from a surge.

What's most at risk

Anything with a circuit board that's connected to both power and another line: a TV on an antenna, a computer or modem on the internet connection, smart home hubs and game consoles. Inverter air conditioners have control boards in both the indoor and outdoor units, and most are hardwired, so they can't be unplugged. Turning them off at the controller before the storm is the practical step.

How surge protection helps

A surge diverter in the switchboard captures voltage spikes in the wiring before they pass into your equipment, and it covers every circuit, hardwired appliances included. A surge-protected power board adds a second layer at the equipment itself. Together they handle the common spikes that travel in along the lines, but no household device will stop a direct lightning strike, so unplugging is still worth it for anything you'd hate to lose.

Surge protection looks after equipment, not people. Energy Safe Victoria notes that surge diverters don't act as safety switches.

When the storm cuts the power

Switch off and unplug appliances at the wall, leave one light switched on so you know when power returns, and keep the fridge and freezer closed. If the lights go dull or flicker across the house rather than going out, switch off and unplug what's easy to reach and contact your electricity distributor.

After the storm

If something doesn't work afterwards, check whether a safety switch or circuit breaker has tripped and reset it once. Don't plug storm-damaged equipment back in if it smells burnt or got wet. If several things failed at once, or a safety switch won't reset, an electrician can test the circuits and check whether surge protection is fitted and still working.

Services that can help

Surge ProtectionSurge diverters fitted at the switchboard to protect your appliances.Power Outages & Loss of PowerWhole house or half the house out? What to check, and when to call.

Sources for this answer

3 sources, with the date each was checked

1.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.
2.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.
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.

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.