As fall settles over the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), stormy weather becomes more frequent—and with it comes an increased risk of lightning strikes and power surges. While many homeowners associate electrical issues with summer thunderstorms, the fall season in Ontario can bring its own share of unpredictable, damaging weather.

At Murtex Electric, we offer 24/7 emergency electrical services to ensure you're protected when the unexpected happens. Here’s what you need to know about lightning, power surges, and how to protect your home as the storm season rolls in.

The Hidden Danger of Power Surges

A power surge is a sudden spike in voltage that can damage or destroy electronics, appliances, and even your home’s electrical system. These surges can be caused by:

• Lightning strikes, even those that don’t hit your home directly
  
  
• Downed power lines during high winds or heavy rain
  
  
• Sudden power restoration after an outage
  
  
• Faulty or aging electrical infrastructure
  
  

Fall weather in the GTA often brings high winds, rainstorms, and rapidly changing temperatures—all of which can strain local electrical grids and increase the chance of a surge.

What Happens When Lightning Strikes?

A lightning strike can carry up to one billion volts of electricity. When it hits a power line, utility pole, or even the ground near your home, it can send a surge through your electrical system. The result can be devastating:

• Fried circuit boards in appliances and electronics
  
  
• Melted wiring
  
  
• Damaged breaker panels
  
  
• In some cases, electrical fires
  
  

Murtex Electric has seen firsthand how quickly a lightning-related surge can cause thousands of dollars in damage. That’s why prevention is critical.

Protective Measures You Can Take Now

Before the next storm rolls through the GTA, take proactive steps to protect your home. Here’s what we recommend:

1. Install Whole-Home Surge Protection

These systems are installed directly into your electrical panel and are designed to block large voltage spikes from entering your home’s wiring. It’s one of the most effective ways to safeguard your entire property from external surges.

2. Use Point-of-Use Surge Protectors

While not a complete solution, surge-protecting power strips can add a layer of protection for high-value electronics like TVs, computers, and game consoles.

3. Schedule a Pre-Storm Electrical Inspection

A licensed electrician from Murtex Electric can inspect your panel, wiring, and grounding system to ensure everything is up to code and storm-ready.

4. Know When to Unplug

If a severe storm is forecasted, unplugging electronics can offer simple yet effective protection—especially if you don’t have surge protection installed.

Emergency Services When You Need Them Most

Even with precautions in place, surges and electrical issues can still occur—especially during intense fall storms. That’s why Murtex Electric offers 24/7 emergency services across the GTA. Whether it’s midnight or a weekend, our licensed electricians are ready to respond quickly to:

• Damaged panels
  
  
• Power loss
  
  
• Electrical burning smells
  
  
• Arcing or buzzing outlets
  
  
• Flickering or dead lights after a storm
  
  

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Protecting your home from lightning and power surges isn’t just about convenience—it’s about safety, security, and peace of mind. This fall, make sure your home is prepared for whatever the weather brings.

If you need help installing surge protection, inspecting your system, or responding to an emergency, Murtex Electric is here 24/7—rain or shine.

Contact us today to schedule an inspection or speak with an emergency electrician.