Quick answer
In Johannesburg, yes. The Highveld has one of the highest lightning-strike densities in the world, and a nearby strike does not need to hit your house to induce a damaging surge on the supply. A DB-mounted surge arrester is modest money protecting a house full of electronics, and insurers become noticeably less accommodating after repeated surge claims on an unprotected installation.
What you can do now
- 1Check whether your board already has a surge arrester fitted — many older boards do not
- 2Unplug sensitive electronics during severe storms as an interim measure
- 3Add point-of-use protection for the most valuable items, in addition to the board-level device
- 4Check your policy wording on surge and lightning damage and what it requires of you
- 5Remember arresters are sacrificial — they have an indicator and need checking after a big event
When to call a professional
Combine it with a DB upgrade or a COC inspection, since the board has to be opened either way and doing both in one visit saves a call-out. Ask the electrician to confirm the arrester is correctly rated and coordinated with the main breaker, and to show you the status indicator so you know how to check it after a storm.
Typical cost in Johannesburg
R3,500–R6,500 fitted
Indicative ranges only. We provide written, itemised quotes before any work.
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