Lightning Strike and electrical power surge

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the damage caused to home computers due to a lightning strike, specifically affecting a wired desktop and a wireless desktop. The wired computer lost its modem and router, while the wireless computer suffered severe damage to its NIC card and surround sound system. The damage is attributed to a surge likely traveling through the CATV line, raising questions about why the wireless computer was affected despite using a wireless connection. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding surge protection and the vulnerabilities of network components during electrical events.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of surge protection devices and their limitations
  • Knowledge of network interface cards (NIC) and their functions
  • Familiarity with home networking setups, including wired and wireless connections
  • Basic electrical safety and grounding principles
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effectiveness of surge protectors in protecting network equipment
  • Learn about the impact of electrical surges on different computer components
  • Investigate best practices for grounding and protecting home electronics
  • Explore the differences between wired and wireless network vulnerabilities
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for homeowners, IT professionals, electricians, and anyone interested in protecting their electronic devices from electrical surges caused by lightning strikes.

Caveman717
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Recently, lightning hit near my home (as best as I could tell, not my home directly) and caused considerable damage to my home computer. I have a wireless network with 2 desktops...one direct wired using ethernet cable and the other using a NIC card. When the lightning struck, my wired computer lost the modem, the router, and that was it! My wireless computer lost the NIC card (it was blasted into many pieces inside the tower) and my surround sound speaker system. Both CPUs seem fine...and really all other components in the house are fine. I'm thinking the CATV line got struck and surged into the modem and router. BUT WHY DID THE WIRELESS CONNECTED COMPUTER HAVE DAMAGE, ESPECIALLY THE NIC CARD BEING BLASTED APART? Just wondering what was going there? Any insight would be greatly appreciated!
 
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The computer's internet connection was wireless, right? I mean, was it plugged into the power source in the wall?
 
Both computers (gateway and remote) were plugged into surge protection power strips.
 
Sorry for digging it up. I would also like to know the answer to this one.
 
After several conversations with numerous electricians and academic professionals, I've yet to ascertain a definitive answer as to the occurrence of the electrical surge!
 
Hi CM

You were using NIC to connect the two computers. If there was no damage to the motherboards, then that would mean that the problem happened with the internet cable carrying the signals.
 

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