**Lightning took out my TV and Receiver...Questions!**

[fernanmd]

So on August 13, lightning struck a tree in between my neighbors house and mine. When I got home from work, I find out that my Panny Plasma and Pionner receiver both don't work. Well the TV didn't work at all, you can plug it in and get the red light but nothing. The receiver turns on and the HDMI switching was all screwed up, it would be audio sometimes but never output video (I had a working TV hooked up to it). So for 3 days I left it alone. Then I wanted to mess with the receiver some more, so I plugged my working TV back into it and then the display quit working on that TV. So i'm thinking there was power trapped inside or something to ruin other electronics? So now I have 2 broken TV's and a receiver.

My question is, out of all the things (cable box, PS3) that were all connected to the receiver the night of the lightning strike, they still work. But I'm worried to connect them to my new TV and receiver when I get them.

Any input is greatly appreciated!

 

[M Code]

A lightning strike can send a high voltage spike through the AC line and/or coax antenna leads...
Each component will handle the spike differently, but if a major jolt the component is history..
If the component works fine, then you can reconnect it with other working components without any issues.
Note that the component may need to be RESET and certain parameters like surround settings, station preset, time will likely need to be REDONE..

Just my $0.02...

 

[fernanmd]

A lightning strike can send a high voltage spike through the AC line and/or coax antenna leads...
Each component will handle the spike differently, but if a major jolt the component is history..
If the component works fine, then you can reconnect it with other working components without any issues.
Note that the component may need to be RESET and certain parameters like surround settings, station preset, time will likely need to be REDONE..

Just my $0.02...

Thanks for the input. Well the thing that worries me is that the receiver still ruined my last working TV a few days later. It was my fault as I kept troubleshooting the receiver, but I just don't want my new TV and Receiver to get ruined when I plug my PS3 and cable box into them. I just bought a new TV for the bedroom, just waiting to here back about the insurance claim so I can buy a new living room TV and receiver. I have an APC power conditioner/surge protector on the way too (I know that won't protect from a direct lightning strike).

 

[westom]

My question is, out of all the things (cable box, PS3) that were all connected to the receiver the night of the lightning strike, they still work. But I'm worried to connect them to my new TV and receiver when I get them.

A surge current (not voltage) was probably incoming to all those appliances and everything else (even the dishwasher). Which ones also made a better outgoing connection to earth? Without both an incoming and outgoing path, then no damage. Not every appliance made a better connection to earth. Your list of appliances that made a better outgoing connection are damaged appliances.

A surge was incoming to everything. But only appliances with a better incoming AND outgoing current path were damaged.

Surges are current. Multiple components inside each appliance conducted that current. But only one or two parts typically fail. Often a part on the outgoing side.

Sometimes a part suffers overstress. Then an appliance that works fine today fails days or months later.

Of course, damage could have created a short circuit inside the receiver. For example, the receiver may now be connecting AC utility voltages into signals ports of the TV. So now the TV is damaged.

You have two problems. First is to determine specific damage to each appliance. That will probably require professional assistance or disposing of each damaged appliance. Second is to install a solution to avert future damage. APC does not claim to address currents and energy that typically cause damage. Damage to any one appliance yesterday means a threat exists to all appliances tomorrow. Best solution is one earthed protector that protects everything. That claims to protect even from direct lightning strikes. And costs less money.

 

[markw]

Best solution is one earthed protector that protects everything. That claims to protect even from direct lightning strikes. And costs less money.

Nothing can guarantee protection from a direct lightening strike. Unplugging the unit from everything isthe best way to go.

 

[westom]

Nothing can guarantee protection from a direct lightening strike. Unplugging the unit from everything isthe best way to go.

Nobody said 100%. IEEE and other professional sources provide numbers such as 99.5% protection.

Meanwhile early 20th Century hams would disconnect their antennas. Even put the antenna lead inside a mason jar. And still suffer damage. Damage stopped when an antenna lead was earthed.

Disconnecting requires human action. Properly earthed 'whole house' protector does protection 24/7 - without an unreliable human intervention.

Or do you disconnect clocks, dishwasher, furnace, air conditioner, dimmer switches, GFCIs, refrigerator, and smoke detectors with each storm? Of course not. Facilities that cannot have damage from any storm, even 100 years ago, ALWAYS earth a 'whole house' protector. It is not 100% protection. But it is always more reliable than disconnecting.

Two tasks exist. First is to define and solve existing damage. Second is to avert future damage. Facilities that can not have damage alswys implement what does protection - single point earth ground. Either wires are connected directly to earth. Or via a 'whole house' protector.

 

[markw]

Nobody said 100%. IEEE and other professional sources provide numbers such as 99.5% protection.

Meanwhile early 20th Century hams would disconnect their antennas. Even put the antenna lead inside a mason jar. And still suffer damage. Damage stopped when an antenna lead was earthed.

Disconnecting requires human action. Properly earthed 'whole house' protector does protection 24/7 - without an unreliable human intervention.

Or do you disconnect clocks, dishwasher, furnace, air conditioner, dimmer switches, GFCIs, refrigerator, and smoke detectors with each storm? Of course not. Facilities that cannot have damage from any storm, even 100 years ago, ALWAYS earth a 'whole house' protector. It is not 100% protection. But it is always more reliable than disconnecting.

Two tasks exist. First is to define and solve existing damage. Second is to avert future damage. Facilities that can not have damage alswys implement what does protection - single point earth ground. Either wires are connected directly to earth. Or via a 'whole house' protector.

Yes, you did. You just said it again.

You have no idea how many Micom modems we lost from lightening strikes even when they were properly "earthed". As you can see, it doesn't take an antenna hit to take out equipment. In fact, wher does he mention antenna to begin with?

Quit spreading the BS and then try to deny it when you're called on it.

 

[3db]

Nobody said 100%. IEEE and other professional sources provide numbers such as 99.5% protection. .

*coughs bullsh?t* A direct strike into your wiring will cook everything despite whole house grounding

Disconnecting requires human action. Properly earthed 'whole house' protector does protection 24/7 - without an unreliable human intervention..

You come across as an espicially lazy sod. I've never been unreliable as far as unplugging my home theater equipment event at a hint of thundershower predictions. Good grief man. Its not that hard to reach down and pull the plug.

Or do you disconnect clocks, dishwasher, furnace, air conditioner, dimmer switches, GFCIs, refrigerator, and smoke detectors with each storm?

Are you for real?

 

[westom]

You have no idea how many Micom modems we lost from lightening strikes even when they were properly "earthed".

But again, do not earth modems. That only makes modem damage easier. Please describe what you mean by "properly earthed".

Every wire entering a building, to lighting, is electrically an antenna. I thought that was obvious. Utility wires throughout the neighborhood are, to lightning, antennas connected to every appliance inside a house.

Routine are direct lightning strikes without damage. Telco $multi-million switching computers are connected to wires all over town. Each suffers about 100 surges per storm. According to fables, telcos should be replacing that $multi-million computer after every storm. Reality. A direct lightning strikes without damage is routine. But only when every incoming wire connects low impedance to single point earth ground. Either via a wire. Or via a 'whole house' protector.

Every town has numerous examples of direct lightning strikes without damage. And still many believe fables that nothing can protect from direct strikes. Apparently all that protection we installed resulted in damage ... that never happened.

Describe what is meant by a "properly earthed" modem.

 

[Chu Gai]

All the appliances that Westom mentioned can be fairly costly and invariably have sensitive electronic components which they rely upon for proper operation. So when he poses the question about disconnecting them in order to safeguard them from surges, it makes about as much sense as just disconnecting one's HT system. What if you're on vacation, or at work, or just plain forget? The whole house approach that Westom advocates is a prudent choice that can be cost effective. Augmented by comparatively inexpensive point of use devices used where one feels they will do the most good, this approach provides effective protection. Certainly not 100% but not too shabby.

 

[SearchofSub]

LOL at thread title. Im gonna go take shower.

 

[markw]

Westy, I'nm not going to play your game. You're over here and your cerdibility is obviously shot to hell. We all know that you can't baffle them with your brilliance so you strive for the other side of that coin. We've made sure OP got the correct information in spite of your ramblings.

TTFN.

 

[Tyfighter]

So on August 13, lightning struck a tree in between my neighbors house and mine. When I got home from work, I find out that my Panny Plasma and Pionner receiver both don't work. Well the TV didn't work at all, you can plug it in and get the red light but nothing. The receiver turns on and the HDMI switching was all screwed up, it would be audio sometimes but never output video (I had a working TV hooked up to it). So for 3 days I left it alone. Then I wanted to mess with the receiver some more, so I plugged my working TV back into it and then the display quit working on that TV. So i'm thinking there was power trapped inside or something to ruin other electronics? So now I have 2 broken TV's and a receiver.

My question is, out of all the things (cable box, PS3) that were all connected to the receiver the night of the lightning strike, they still work. But I'm worried to connect them to my new TV and receiver when I get them.

Any input is greatly appreciated!

You didn't mention it, but did you use a surge protector? I'm just curious if your Panasonic Plasma HDTV and Pioneer AVR were protected and still fried.

 

[Ampdog]

I live in one of the highest lightning intensity areas in the world in the rainy season in summer. Here the main and effective warning to residents is to unplug appliances, as mains surges (voltage spikes, not current) are regarded to account for about 80% of lightning damage. As said, naturally a direct hit will fry all in its way; even a lightning protection pole becomes comparatively useless. (One must remember that a lightning strike is far from d.c.; it might comtain components up to several MHz. At such frequencies any long earth lead is an impedance and of little protection - sorry guys!)

I myself have had only two direct strikes (to the roof) in some 20 years; mercifully in both cases the antenna was not hit (lightning does not always go for the highest point; it depends on the field build-up millisecs. before the strike, and even during travel the leader discharge might change direction at the last moment - one is now talking of micro-sec intervals). Lightning surge protectors vary from country to country; here effective ones are comparatively expensive (some such have insurance offers attached). I use a medium effective one - and hope for the best!

So far, lucky ......

 

[westom]

Westy, I'nm not going to play your game.

It was a simple question. Define properly earthed. Cheapshot accusations are how the most easily manipulated avoid even simplest questions.

Why do you fear answering simple questions? What is meant by "properly earthed"?

Direct lightning strikes without damage has been routine for over 100 years. Even disconnecting did not provide reliable protection - even over 100 years ago. Examples of protection from direct strikes is routine in every town. Someone claims that nothing can protect from direct lightning strikes. And refuses to answer even one simple question. What is meant by "properly earthed"?

 

[markw]

Fully qualified electricians did all the power wiring for the mains in all out installations and all plugs were properly grounded.

Simply put, a direct lightening strike will fry anything in its path. You were wrong, or simply trying to draw attention to yourself, when you said you have a solution. Either that, or you simply lied. ...and you're still lying. How pathetic.

 

[cpp]

Simply put, a direct lightening strike will fry anything in its path. You were wrong, or simply trying to draw attention to yourself, when you said you have a solution. Either that, or you simply lied

Well having retired from the Telecommunications field working for Bell Labs, AT&T/Lucent (36 years) I've seen what lightning can do to a properly grounded telephone central office. I lived in the lighnting capital of the US ( central Fla) and I have seen a central office with a ground grid / ring supported by ground rods including a connection to a 300 foot well take a hit and fry millions of dollars of equipment. I've seen frame protector modules ( safe guard between the actual outside plant cable and the central office line ) fly off the frame from a lighting hit in the area ( not the office). No properly grounded structure will prevent a direct lightning strike from harming your personal property and if a person thinks that their living in a dream. My own home took a hit years ago, and yes I even had the local power company install protection at the meter, meg the ground and adjust the grounding of the home a year before. The hit occurred across the street, I lost my TV, Microwave, AC unit so don't think having "protection" will always save your equipment it won't but it's nice to have for the insurance replacement.

 

[3db]

Well having retired from the Telecommunications field working for Bell Labs, AT&T/Lucent (36 years) I've seen what lightning can do to a properly grounded telephone central office. I lived in the lighnting capital of the US ( central Fla) and I have seen a central office with a ground grid / ring supported by ground rods including a connection to a 300 foot well take a hit and fry millions of dollars of equipment. I've seen frame protector modules ( safe guard between the actual outside plant cable and the central office line ) fly off the frame from a lighting hit in the area ( not the office). No properly grounded structure will prevent a direct lightning strike from harming your personal property and if a person thinks that their living in a dream. My own home took a hit years ago, and yes I even had the local power company install protection at the meter, meg the ground and adjust the grounding of the home a year before. The hit occurred across the street, I lost my TV, Microwave, AC unit so don't think having "protection" will always save your equipment it won't but it's nice to have for the insurance replacement.

That does not surprise me at all. There is such a massive current surge that it simply burns anything in it path. There's just far too many coulombs kicking around.

 

[lsiberian]

Fully qualified electricians did all the power wiring for the mains in all out installations and all plugs were properly grounded.

Simply put, a direct lightening strike will fry anything in its path. You were wrong, or simply trying to draw attention to yourself, when you said you have a solution. Either that, or you simply lied. ...and you're still lying. How pathetic.

Your power strip is gonna burn your house down. This is the guy that puts paper towels and lots of other flammable materials next to his old power strips.

OP if you have an APC or Belkin power strip unit they come with lightning insurance.

 

[cpp]

That does not surprise me at all. There is such a massive current surge that it simply burns anything in it path. There's just far too many coulombs kicking around.

Put it this way, the temperature of a typical lightning bolt can reach 50,000 F degrees and some people think a little surge protector is going to stop current that reaches from 10,000 amps and higher . The famous strike just before the Apollo 15 launch in 1971 was measured at 100,000 amperes. Sure break out that little surge protector... I say screw with mother nature and she will win sooner or later.