Storm season is here — is your home electrically safe?
Storm season has well and truly arrived in North West NSW — and with the recent wild weather across Gunnedah, Narrabri, Tamworth, and surrounding rural areas, homeowners are seeing everything from flickering power to fallen private poles.
When storms hit, your electrical system becomes one of the most vulnerable parts of your property. From lightning strikes to power surges, water damage and falling branches, even a small issue can quickly turn into a costly (and dangerous) electrical fault.
Here’s what you need to know to keep your home, shed, and farm safe this storm season.
⚠️ 1. Power Surges: The Hidden Damage You Don’t Always See
A power surge can travel through:
Powerlines
Private power poles
Switchboards
Appliances
Underground cables
Even if a surge doesn’t cause an immediate outage, it can weaken wiring and slowly destroy appliances like fridges, TVs, pumps, and air-conditioning units.
✔ What you can do:
Install a surge protector at your switchboard
Unplug sensitive appliances during storms
Ask a Level 2 electrician to inspect your supply if you’ve had repeated surges
⚠️ 2. Fallen Trees and Damage to Private Power Poles
Rural and semi-rural properties around Gunnedah and Narrabri often rely on private power poles. Strong winds or lightning can:
Knock down poles
Crack old timber poles
Damage overhead service lines
If your private pole has been damaged, you must use a Level 2 electrician to repair or replace it. This is specialised, licensed work that standard electricians cannot legally perform.
✔ Warning signs after a storm:
Sagging powerlines
Leaning or cracked poles
Branches sitting on service lines
No power to part of the property
If you see any of these — stay clear and call us immediately.
⚠️ 3. Water Damage in Switchboards
Heavy rain and wind can push moisture into old or poorly sealed switchboards, especially on older homes and farm buildings. Water inside a switchboard is extremely dangerous and can lead to:
Tripping circuits
Corrosion
Burn marks
Complete switchboard failure
✔ What you can do:
Check for rust, moisture or dripping after storms
Upgrade to a weatherproof switchboard enclosure
Install RCDs (safety switches) if you don’t have them
If your switchboard is older or ceramic-fuse style, storm season is the best time to consider an upgrade.
⚡ 4. Overhead vs Underground Cables During Storm Season
Many homeowners ask whether underground power is safer than overhead.
Overhead powerlines are more vulnerable to:
Branches falling
Wind damage
Lightning
Underground power is:
Safer during storms
Protected from falling debris
Less likely to cause outages
A Level 2 electrician can advise whether underground conversion is suitable for your property.
⚠️ 5. When You Should Call a Level 2 Electrician
After a storm, you should contact a Level 2 electrician if you notice:
No power to part of your home
Damage to overhead service lines
Switchboard burning smell or water inside
Flickering lights or repeated tripping
Damage to your private power pole
Sparks, arcing or unusual noises
These are not DIY issues — Level 2 electricians are licensed to work directly on the network supply, service lines, meters, and poles.
🏡 Crowy’s Electrical: Local, Licensed & Here to Help
As a family-owned business servicing Gunnedah, Narrabri, Tamworth & surrounding rural areas, we understand the challenges local homeowners face during storm season.
We are fully licensed Level 2 electricians and can assist with:
✔ Private power pole repairs & installs
✔ Overhead & underground service lines
✔ Metering upgrades
✔ Switchboard upgrades
✔ Storm damage electrical repairs
✔ Safety checks for homes and farms
📞 Need Storm-Related Electrical Help?
Don’t risk it — electrical issues after a storm can be dangerous.
📞 Call Crowy’s Electrical on 0427 426 152
🌐 Or contact us via our website
⚡ Fully licensed. Local. Trusted.