23/07/2026
Power Surge or Storm Damage: What Queensland Homeowners Should Do Next
Queensland storms can bring lightning, strong winds, heavy rain and unexpected power interruptions. Even when a property appears undamaged, a storm or power surge can affect appliances, switchboards, wiring, solar systems and other electrical equipment.
Electrical surges are sudden increases in voltage. They may be caused by lightning, storms, accidents on the electricity network or even the switching of electrical equipment. A surge can damage anything connected through electrical or telecommunications wiring.
Knowing what to do after a storm can help protect your family, prevent further damage and make any insurance claim easier to support.
Signs of possible electrical storm damage
Electrical damage is not always immediately obvious. Warning signs may include:
safety switches or circuit breakers repeatedly tripping
lights flickering, dimming or becoming unusually bright
only part of the property having power
burning smells, buzzing or crackling sounds
discolored or warm power points
appliances that no longer operate correctly
damaged external wiring, meter boxes or switchboards
water entering electrical equipment
faults appearing in solar or battery systems
If your home has dull or flickering lights, low voltage or only a partial electricity supply, avoid touching the switchboard or metal fixtures. Where it can be done safely, switch off and unplug appliances and contact your electricity network provider.
Do not repeatedly reset a tripping safety switch
A safety switch that trips after a storm may be responding to water ingress, damaged wiring, a faulty appliance or another electrical fault.
Resetting it repeatedly without identifying the cause can expose people and equipment to unnecessary risk. Disconnect appliances from the affected circuit where this can be done safely, and arrange an inspection if the switch will not remain on.
Do not remove covers, open the switchboard or attempt your own electrical repairs.
Water-damaged equipment needs to be inspected
Electrical appliances and equipment that have been submerged, exposed to floodwater or visibly damaged should not be plugged back in until they have been assessed.
Queensland electrical-safety guidance advises that storm- or flood-affected switchboards, wiring, equipment and appliances should be tested by a licensed electrician before reconnection.
Equipment can remain dangerous even after it appears dry.
Be especially careful around solar and battery systems
Solar panels may continue generating electricity whenever exposed to light, even when the mains power supply has been disconnected.
After storm damage, stay clear of damaged panels, batteries, isolators and associated wiring. Queensland guidance recommends having a licensed electrician inspect the system before it is recommissioned or before clean-up work begins around the equipment.
Document the damage before repairs begin
Where it is safe to do so, photograph:
damaged appliances
tripped switches or fault indicators
damaged power points and fittings
water entry near electrical equipment
visible storm damage
model and serial numbers of affected appliances
Keep receipts, electrician invoices, assessment reports and correspondence with your electricity provider or insurer.
An electrical damage assessment can help establish what was tested, the condition of the installation, the faults identified and whether repair or replacement is recommended. However, the electrician determines the electrical findings; the insurer ultimately determines whether the loss is covered under the policy.
What an electrician may check
Depending on the reported damage, an electrical inspection may include:
the main switchboard and protective devices
safety-switch operation
insulation resistance of affected wiring
earthing and electrical continuity
damaged circuits and fittings
appliances connected during the incident
outdoor electrical equipment
solar and battery components
evidence of overheating, water ingress or surge damage
The aim is to identify unsafe equipment, restore reliable operation and provide clear findings about the work required.
When the situation is an emergency
Stay well away from fallen powerlines, damaged service lines or electrical equipment in contact with trees, fences, vehicles or water.
Call 000 where there is an immediate threat to life. Report fallen powerlines, electric shocks, tingling taps or network supply hazards to the relevant electricity network provider. Energex advises customers in its area to call 13 19 62 for life-threatening electrical emergencies and 13 62 62 for outages.
Need your property checked after a storm?
I.C.M Electrician can assist homeowners across Brisbane and the Lockyer Valley with fault finding, electrical safety inspections, repairs and documented electrical damage assessments.
Contact I.C.M Electrician before reconnecting or continuing to use electrical equipment that may have been affected by a storm, surge or water ingress.
https://www.icmelectric.com/blog/3291815_power-surge-or-storm-damage-what-queensland-homeowners-should-do-next
