Cape Town storms and grid instability from load shedding switch-on/off cycles can both cause power surges – short, sharp spikes in voltage that damage sensitive electronics and, in worse cases, the wiring itself.
What a surge actually damages
Surges most commonly damage anything with sensitive electronics – TVs, computers, routers, appliance control boards – and repeated surges over time can degrade wiring insulation and DB board components even without an obvious single failure.
After a storm or suspected surge
Check for obviously affected appliances (won’t power on, behaving erratically), and if your DB board tripped and won’t reset cleanly, don’t keep forcing it – that’s a sign of a fault, not just a nuisance trip. If you smell burning anywhere, treat it as an emergency.
Preventing future surge damage
Surge protection devices installed at the DB board protect the whole property’s wiring and connected circuits, which plug-in surge strips at individual outlets can’t do on their own – the two work best together, not as alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
Does insurance cover surge damage?
Many home insurance policies do cover surge damage, though claims are smoother with a valid Certificate of Compliance on file – worth checking your specific policy.
Is whole-property surge protection worth it?
For homes with solar, inverters, or significant electronics, yes – it protects the wiring and every connected circuit, not just individual appliances.
Suspect surge or storm damage to your electrics? Get an inspection.