Summer Electrical Safety: Protecting Your Melbourne Home During the Hot Season

Melbourne summers are intense. Heatwaves push 40°C, afternoon storms roll through with little warning, and everyone runs their air conditioning at full blast. This combination puts enormous stress on electrical systems—and creates real safety risks.

At Power Amp Electrical, we see a spike in callouts every summer for overloaded circuits, storm damage, and heat-related failures. Here's how to protect your home and family during the hot season.

The Summer Electrical Challenge

Summer creates a perfect storm of electrical stress:

• Increased load: Air conditioners, pool pumps, fans, and fridges all working overtime
• Heat stress: High temperatures can damage wiring, circuit breakers, and appliances
• Storm damage: Lightning strikes, power surges, and water ingress
• Outdoor use: Extension cords, pool equipment, and outdoor entertaining

Understanding these risks is the first step to staying safe.

Air Conditioning Safety

Air conditioning accounts for a huge portion of summer electricity use—and a significant number of electrical issues.

Before the Season Starts

• Have your AC serviced by a qualified technician
• Check the electrical circuit powering the unit (should be dedicated)
• Clean or replace filters for efficient operation
• Clear debris from around outdoor units

During Use

• Don't overload circuits: Your AC should be on its own dedicated circuit
• Watch for warning signs: Tripping breakers, burning smells, unusual noises
• Use timers: Instead of running 24/7, use timers or smart controls
• Keep outdoor units clear: At least 30cm clearance on all sides

When to Call an Electrician

• AC causes circuit breaker to trip repeatedly
• Burning smell when AC runs
• AC not cooling effectively despite being serviced
• Visible damage to power cables
• Unit is more than 15 years old

Need air conditioning installed or serviced? See our AC installation services.

Protecting Against Power Surges

Summer storms bring lightning—and lightning causes power surges that can destroy electronics and appliances.

What's at Risk

• Computers and home offices
• TVs and entertainment systems
• Smart home devices
• Air conditioning units
• Fridges and freezers
• Pool equipment

Protection Strategies

Surge Protection Power Boards Basic protection for individual devices. Look for boards with:

• Surge protection rating (joules)
• Connected equipment warranty
• LED indicator showing protection is active

Whole-House Surge Protection Installed at your switchboard, this protects your entire home from surges entering through the power lines. We recommend this for all Melbourne homes.

Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) For critical equipment like computers and home offices. Provides battery backup during outages and surge protection.

Learn more about protecting your home: Energy Efficiency & Protection

Storm Safety

Melbourne's summer storms can be severe. Here's how to stay safe:

Before the Storm

• Unplug sensitive electronics (computers, TVs, modems)
• Close windows and doors to prevent water ingress near outlets
• Know your switchboard location in case you need to turn off power
• Charge phones and torches in case of extended outage

During the Storm

• Stay indoors and away from windows
• Don't use corded phones or wired electronics during lightning
• Avoid plumbing (showers, baths, washing dishes)
• If you smell burning, turn off the main switch and call an electrician

After the Storm

• Check for damage before restoring power
• Don't touch fallen power lines or anything in contact with them—call your distributor
• Inspect outdoor equipment before using
• Reset tripped safety switches but investigate if they trip again

Storm damage? We offer 24/7 emergency electrical services.

Pool and Spa Electrical Safety

Pools and spas are high-risk areas for electrical accidents. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination.

Essential Pool Safety

• Annual inspection: Have pool electrical equipment inspected yearly
• RCD protection: All pool circuits must have safety switches
• Bonding: All metal components should be electrically bonded
• GFCI outlets: Any outlets near the pool must have ground fault protection
• No extension cords: Never run extension cords near pools

Warning Signs of Pool Electrical Problems

• Tingling sensation when touching pool water or equipment
• Lights flickering around the pool
• Pool pump making unusual sounds
• Burn marks or melting on equipment
• Tripping breakers when pool equipment runs

If you feel tingling in the water, get out immediately and don't let anyone else in. Call an electrician.

Outdoor Entertaining Safety

Summer means barbecues, outdoor parties, and festive lighting. Keep it safe:

Extension Cord Safety

• Use outdoor-rated extension cords only
• Don't run cords under rugs or through doorways where they can be damaged
• Avoid daisy-chaining multiple cords together
• Unplug when not in use
• Check for damage before each use

Outdoor Lighting

• Use weatherproof fittings rated for outdoor use
• Ensure GFCI protection on outdoor circuits
• Keep connections off the ground and away from water
• Use LED lights which run cooler and use less power

BBQ Areas

• Keep BBQs away from power points and cables
• Ensure adequate lighting for safe cooking after dark
• Don't overload outdoor circuits with too many appliances

Planning an outdoor entertaining area? See our outdoor electrical solutions.

Managing Electrical Load

Summer often means running more appliances than usual. Here's how to avoid overloading your system:

High-Draw Summer Appliances

Tips to Avoid Overload

• Spread high-draw appliances across different circuits
• Don't use portable heaters and air con on the same circuit
• Stagger use: Run pool pump early morning, not during peak AC hours
• Upgrade your switchboard if you're frequently tripping breakers

If your circuits keep tripping, it's time for a switchboard assessment.

Heat Damage to Electrical Systems

Extreme heat can damage electrical components:

What's at Risk

• Wiring insulation: Can become brittle and crack
• Circuit breakers: May trip more easily when hot
• Outdoor equipment: Sun exposure accelerates degradation
• Meter boxes: Can overheat if in direct sun

Protection Strategies

• Shade outdoor electrical equipment where possible
• Ensure adequate ventilation around switchboards
• Don't store items near your meter box or switchboard
• Schedule an inspection if your wiring is over 25 years old

Summer Electrical Checklist

Before summer hits, run through this checklist:

Safety Essentials

• Test all safety switches (press the test button monthly)
• Check smoke alarms and replace batteries
• Inspect outdoor power points for damage
• Ensure pool electrical equipment is compliant

Preparation

• Service air conditioning units
• Clear area around outdoor units
• Install surge protection
• Check extension cords for damage

Upgrades to Consider

• Whole-house surge protection
• Dedicated circuit for air conditioning
• Outdoor power points for entertaining
• Pool lighting and automation

Flexible Payment Options

Need electrical upgrades before summer? Power Amp Electrical offers interest-free finance through Brighte.

• 0% interest payment plans
• Quick online approval
• Cover multiple upgrades in one go

Stay Safe This Summer

Power Amp Electrical provides summer electrical safety inspections across Western Melbourne and Geelong. We'll check your:

• Switchboard and safety switches
• Air conditioning circuits
• Outdoor electrical equipment
• Pool and spa compliance
• Surge protection

Book your summer safety check:

📞 Call Josh on 0473 344 634

📧 Or request a quote online

24/7 Emergency Service Available for storm damage and urgent electrical issues.

Power Amp Electrical is a licensed electrical contractor (REC-34500) serving Western Melbourne and Geelong. All work complies with Australian Standards and includes Certificates of Electrical Safety.