Can a power cut damage your TV, PC or appliances?

When damage happens

Most damage doesn't happen when the power goes off. It happens when it comes back on.

GOV.UK's Be Ready campaign says to unplug your TV and PC in a power cut, because they can be damaged if there's a surge when the power returns. A surge is a short spike in voltage. Sensitive electronics, like computers, TVs, games consoles and routers, are the most at risk.

A desktop computer can also lose unsaved work, or occasionally have files damaged, when the power suddenly cuts out. Laptops on battery carry on as normal. (General information, not from an official source.)

What to switch off, and what to leave on

Unplug (Be Ready, NIE Networks): - TV, desktop PC, games console, sound system - chargers you don't need

Switch off (Be Ready, Met Office): things that could be dangerous if the power came back while you're out or asleep: - irons, ovens, hobs, electric fires and heaters, fryers, hair straighteners

Leave on: - one light, so you know when the power is back (SSEN) - the fridge and freezer, which will restart by themselves. Keep their doors shut.

When the power returns, wait a few minutes, then plug things back in one at a time. (General advice.)

Is a surge protector worth it?

For expensive electronics, it can be. Northern Ireland's network operator, NIE Networks, says to fit surge protection devices to sensitive appliances such as computers and televisions, and that you can buy them at DIY stores and electrical shops. It also mentions an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) as a way to protect equipment, mainly for businesses.

Some things to know (general information):

• A surge-protected extension lead is the simple option. It doesn't protect against everything, and the protection can wear out over time. Check the maker's instructions.
• It is not a reason to overload a socket. Electrical Safety First says most extension leads are rated at 13A, some older ones less, and that overloading sockets creates a risk of fire. Cable reels can be rated as low as 3 or 4A when wound up.
• NIE Networks says to buy equipment that meets British Standards, and to use a properly registered electrician for any changes to your wiring.

If something gets damaged: who pays?

Ofgem's standard payments don't cover it. Ofgem's page on power cut payments says you won't be paid for damage to electrical equipment or appliances. Those payments are for being without power for a long time. Our compensation calculator shows what you might get for that.

Your home insurance is usually the route. NIE Networks advises checking that your policy is up to date and covers damage to electrical appliances. Some policies include it as standard, some only with accidental damage cover.

Network operator: if you think a fault on the network caused the damage (for example, lights flickering very brightly, or several neighbours losing equipment at once), report it to your network operator on 105 and ask for written details of the fault. Your insurer may ask for it.

Make a record: 1. Date and time the power went off and came back. 2. Photos of the damaged item and its model label. 3. Receipts, or the price of a similar replacement. 4. Your reference number from the 105 call.

Before the next power cut

• Plug your TV, PC and console into one switched extension lead, so you can turn them all off in one go. Don't overload it.
• Keep a torch and spare batteries where you can find them in the dark. Both are on Be Ready's emergency kit list.
• Check your home insurance wording for "electrical damage" or "accidental damage".
• Save work often if you use a desktop computer.

What we couldn't check

• UK Power Networks has a page about damage to appliances after a power cut, but it blocked our checks, so we haven't quoted it.
• NIE Networks covers Northern Ireland. We used its advice because it's the clearest official network operator page we could open; operators in Great Britain may word things differently.
• We don't rate any surge protector brands.

Related guides

• Power cuts in the UK: what to do
• Power cut compensation UK: how much and how to claim
• Power cut kit: what to keep in one box, and how long power cuts last
• Winter power cut checklist for UK homes

Free tools

• Power cut compensation calculator
• Power cuts near me

We're an independent UK site, not the government. We check guides against official sources and link to them. In an emergency call 999.

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