Surrey Power Surge Explosion Injures Two – A Wake-Up Call on the Importance of Surge Protection
Two people were injured following an explosion caused by an underground power surge in Horley, Surrey, on Tuesday evening. Emergency services rushed to Cranbourne Close at around 10:15pm after reports of an electrical blast, which left several properties in the area without power.
According to South East Coast Ambulance Service, one person sustained second-degree burns and was taken to hospital, while another was treated at the scene and discharged.
UK Power Networks confirmed it was working to restore power to affected homes.
Although investigations are still ongoing, the suspected power surge has raised serious concerns—not just for public safety, but for businesses and homeowners alike.
Events like this highlight why surge protection isn’t just a technical add-on—it’s a vital safety measure.
“Surge protection is about more than just protecting plugs. It’s about protecting lives, properties, and the sensitive equipment so many homes and businesses rely on,” says Jamie Morgan, Director at ESI: Electrical Safety Inspections.
Why Surge Protection Matters
A power surge—sometimes caused by faults, lightning, or switching events in the network—can send a sudden spike in voltage through your system.
That extra energy has to go somewhere, and without protection, it can cause:
- Fires in wiring or devices
- Irreparable damage to electrical equipment
- Data loss or system failures
- Disruption to critical business operations
This is particularly concerning for businesses in Surrey and Hampshire that rely on equipment like servers, CCTV systems, refrigeration units, or specialist machinery.
Imagine a dental practice, a small factory, or even a retailer suddenly losing thousands of pounds in damaged equipment or lost data—because of one spike in voltage.
Common Causes of Power Surges in Electrical Systems
Power surges can come from outside your building—or be generated internally.
Knowing the causes can help you take the right preventive measures.
Here are the most common sources:
⚡ 1. Utility Grid Switching or Faults
Sudden changes in electricity supply—such as from maintenance work or damaged cables—can send a surge through the mains. That’s believed to be what triggered the explosion in Horley.
🌩️ 2. Lightning Strikes
While rare, a lightning strike near power lines or a building can deliver a high-energy surge capable of damaging multiple systems instantly.
🛠️ 3. Large Electrical Equipment Switching On or Off
Air conditioning units, industrial machinery, and even lifts can cause small internal surges when they draw large amounts of power.
💡 4. Overloaded Circuits and Outdated Wiring
Old or poorly maintained wiring is more vulnerable to surges, especially in buildings without modern circuit protection.
🔌 5. Faulty Appliances or Chargers
Low-quality devices or damaged chargers can cause momentary surges that damage other connected equipment over time.
This is why routine inspections and surge protection devices (SPDs) are essential—not just for safety, but for long-term cost savings.
What the Wiring Regulations Say
Under BS 7671:2018 (18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations), surge protection devices (SPDs) are now a key part of electrical safety requirements.
Specifically:
- SPDs must be installed where the consequences of an overvoltage could result in serious injury, loss of life, or interruption to public services or commercial activity.
- For most commercial premises, surge protection is mandatory unless a documented risk assessment justifies otherwise.
If you’re unsure whether your premises meet these requirements, it’s worth scheduling an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). This will assess the condition of your wiring and identify if surge protection is needed.
You can read more about surge protection in BS 7671 here:
👉 IET Guide to Surge Protection
How to Protect Your Property or Business
At ESI, we help homes and businesses across Surrey and Hampshire assess and install the right surge protection setup for their needs. This includes:
- Surge protection integrated into consumer units (fuse boxes)
- Plug-in SPDs for sensitive electronics
- Full risk assessments for BS 7671 compliance
- Testing and documentation as part of your regular EICR or PAT testing
“An investment in surge protection today could save you tens of thousands tomorrow,” adds Jamie.
Get Help from the Experts
If you’re unsure whether your building or business is protected, we’re here to help.
We offer friendly, expert advice and full electrical safety inspections across Guildford, Woking, Farnborough, Camberley, Basingstoke, and the wider Surrey and Hampshire region.
👉 Learn more at www.esielectrical.co.uk
📞 Contact us on 01276 300 351 to book a surge protection assessment or EICR today.
Don’t wait for a power surge to become a problem—get protected today.
