Lightning Strike Damage: TVs, Cable Modem & VCR

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the damage caused by a lightning strike to electronic devices, specifically TVs, a VCR, and a cable modem. Participants explore the potential causes of the damage, the effectiveness of surge protectors, and preventive measures during thunderstorms.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant reports losing multiple electronic devices during a thunderstorm, noting that cheaper TVs sustained less damage compared to more expensive ones.
  • Another participant suggests that the damage likely resulted from a surge through the cable line, questioning the effectiveness of surge protectors in such scenarios.
  • A participant mentions their practice of unplugging devices during storms, expressing frustration over the losses incurred.
  • Concerns are raised about the grounding of coaxial cables, with one participant suggesting that improper grounding by cable companies could contribute to the risk of damage.
  • Discussion includes skepticism about the effectiveness of home surge protection units, with a comparison made to industrial surge protection systems that are designed to absorb energy from strikes.
  • There is a suggestion that the best preventive measure is to unplug all devices during thunderstorms.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views regarding the causes of the damage and the effectiveness of surge protectors. There is no consensus on the best preventive measures or the reliability of existing protection methods.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss various assumptions regarding grounding practices and the nature of electrical surges, but these points remain unresolved and depend on specific circumstances.

BobG
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We had a thunderstorm Thursday evening and I think my house got zapped by lightening. I lost two TV's, a VCR, and my cable modem. Of course, the good news is that the cheaper the TV, the less damage it sustained. The best TV doesn't turn on at all, while the picture only fills half the screen and the colors screwed up on the other damaged TV. The cheap ones in the bedrooms didn't sustain any damage at all.

All the surge protectors for electrical power and not a one saw a glimpse of activity. The only thing in common is that anything connected to cable was at risk.

I've never heard of that happening before, although, if a lightning surge can travel through the phone line, then I guess the cable's not much different (I was also pretty sure the cable was buried, but maybe not).
 
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That's what it sounds like, a surge through your cable line. My TVs are all cheap, so I don't worry about them, but for the cable modem, I connect the cable line through a surge protector. I'm really not sure even that would help in the event of a lightning strike, but figure it at least protects against any spikes in power coming through when the power goes out and comes back on.
 
BobG said:
We had a thunderstorm Thursday evening and I think my house got zapped by lightening. I lost two TV's, a VCR, and my cable modem. Of course, the good news is that the cheaper the TV, the less damage it sustained. The best TV doesn't turn on at all, while the picture only fills half the screen and the colors screwed up on the other damaged TV. The cheap ones in the bedrooms didn't sustain any damage at all.

All the surge protectors for electrical power and not a one saw a glimpse of activity. The only thing in common is that anything connected to cable was at risk.

I've never heard of that happening before, although, if a lightning surge can travel through the phone line, then I guess the cable's not much different (I was also pretty sure the cable was buried, but maybe not).
Welcome to the club. Luckily you sustained less damage than I did, but it's still upsetting.

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=81078&highlight=lightning
 
I've been unplugging stuff during storms. Losing two TV's, a VCR, and a cable modem sucks though.
 
Physics_wiz said:
I've been unplugging stuff during storms. Losing two TV's, a VCR, and a cable modem sucks though.
Yeah, geez, you might have to start reading books for entertainment, or, gulp, talk to the other people in the house! :bugeye: :smile:

I don't think a lot of people really think about the cable line when thinking about unplugging things during storms.
 
BobG, in all likelihood your coax shield is not (properly) grounded. Cable companies rarely bother doing that. If it isn't, you should call them and have them ground it. And have them measure resistance to ground when they're done.
 
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Moonbear said:
I'm really not sure even that would help in the event of a lightning strike, but figure it at least protects against any spikes in power coming through when the power goes out and comes back on.

Yes, the effectiveness of the home protection units is slight to none. In industry we use real surge protectiion that, in the case of a low power 110VAC line for example, sells for about $1200. The unit is designed to safely explode, which absorbs the energy from the strike.

The best course of action is to unplug everything when lightning is around.
 
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