Lightning Strike Killed My 4 Month Old TV

[Laker14]

During yesterday's storm I was watching TV. We had a really close lightning strike. The flash and crack were instantaneous. Not sure where it hit, but I don't think it was my house.
The TV went blank. All other appliances, including WiFi continued to function. The TV, however, did not respond to resuscitavive efforts.
I popped the back off, and nothing looks fried.

Anyone out there have any experience with trying to have a modern TV repaired? Or is this just throw away item now?

[retiredguy123]

It could be just the power supply, internal or external. I would try to plug it into another outlet, transformer, and/or surge protector. Also, check to see if the surge protector circuit breaker has tripped, and check the house circuit breaker in the panel. If none of these is the problem, it could be the power supply or capacitor inside the TV. Google it. If it is an expensive TV, call your insurance company, and also implement the TV warranty. Good luck.

[Laker14]

It could be just the power supply, internal or external. I would try to plug it into another outlet, transformer, and/or surge protector. Also, check to see if the surge protector circuit breaker has tripped, and check the house circuit breaker in the panel. If none of these is the problem, it could be the power supply or capacitor inside the TV. Google it. If it is an expensive TV, call your insurance company, and also implement the TV warranty. Good luck.

I tested the outlet it's plugged into with a lamp, and it works.
All of the other appliances, and fixtures in the house work.
I'll google the power supply inside the TV

[retiredguy123]

I tested the outlet it's plugged into with a lamp, and it works.
All of the other appliances, and fixtures in the house work.
I'll google the power supply inside the TV
I would file a warranty claim before tinkering with the inside of the TV.

[Caymus]

Watch what you touch. Some capacitors can remain charged.

[Stu from NYC]

Lightning does what it wants hopefully will never have to find out how effective our whole house surge protector is.

[MartinSE]

For the most part modern TVs are tossed. There are a few serviceable components, like the power supply, but, they are not intended to be serviced, so...

[retiredguy123]

For the most part modern TVs are tossed. There are a few serviceable components, like the power supply, but, they are not intended to be serviced, so...
The OP's TV is only 4 months old. It should be covered under warranty.

I had a Samsung TV with a screen defect, and they sent out a guy in a van who replaced the entire screen.

[MrFlorida]

I haven't seen a TV repair shop in years, are they still around ?

[retiredguy123]

I haven't seen a TV repair shop in years, are they still around ?
There are still people who will repair a TV, but I think they mostly come to your house.

[villagetinker]

During yesterday's storm I was watching TV. We had a really close lightning strike. The flash and crack were instantaneous. Not sure where it hit, but I don't think it was my house.
The TV went blank. All other appliances, including WiFi continued to function. The TV, however, did not respond to resuscitavive efforts.
I popped the back off, and nothing looks fried.

Anyone out there have any experience with trying to have a modern TV repaired? Or is this just throw away item now?

I am going to ASSUME the TV was connected to a cable for the television signal. If this is the case the a surge probably came in through the cable to the TV. If you have an external tuner (like Comcast, or Spectrum, etc) test that device to see if it is working. Also, see if the TV has a fuse. Finally, unplug the TV wait several minutes, then plug in again and see if it resets and comes back on.
If all of this fails, then as suggested above contact the manufacturer and the store you bough it from to see about repair or replacement.

[retiredguy123]

Note that, if you bought the TV at Sam's Club or another warehouse club, they have a 90-day return policy, where you could just return it and get a new TV. But, if it has been more than 90 days, you will probably need to call the manufacturer.

[mulligan]

A surge arrester is NOT protection from lightning strikes. Only surges in power.

[Mrprez]

If you paid with a credit card see if the card issuer provides additional coverage.

[Laker14]

I am going to ASSUME the TV was connected to a cable for the television signal. If this is the case the a surge probably came in through the cable to the TV. If you have an external tuner (like Comcast, or Spectrum, etc) test that device to see if it is working. Also, see if the TV has a fuse. Finally, unplug the TV wait several minutes, then plug in again and see if it resets and comes back on.
If all of this fails, then as suggested above contact the manufacturer and the store you bough it from to see about repair or replacement.

Thanks Tinker,
We cut the cable cord a while ago. I was streaming. The only connection was via the electric power cord. I use YouTubeTV, which streams via my internet/modem/WiFi, all of which still functions.
I did the unplug/wait/ plug it in again, but alas, no good.

My wife did call Samsung, and they said they'll take care of it.

[Laker14]

I would file a warranty claim before tinkering with the inside of the TV.

Excellent advice. Fortunately I didn't break anything taking the back off, and I didn't touch anything.

[Ecuadog]

Almost 7 years ago, a lightning ground strike got my big TV. I called Showtime TV Service in Belleview. Two gentlemen came to the house, tested the TV and gave me the bad news. Have to order part and install, about $400 total. The TV was new enough. Should I? Shouldn't I? I went for it.

Six days later, they came back and fixed it. Prompt, polite... nice people. It still works. Since then, I also put in a coaxial surge protector on the cable.

Showtime Repairs website click here (https://showtimerepairs.com/).

[retiredguy123]

If you paid with a credit card see if the card issuer provides additional coverage.
I think most credit cards have eliminated the extra warranty benefit. Do you know of one that still offers it?

[Mrprez]

I think most credit cards have eliminated the extra warranty benefit. Do you know of one that still offers it?

No, but I haven’t looked for a new credit card lately. Here you go:

12 Best Credit Cards for Extended Warranty Coverage [2022] (https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/best-credit-cards-for-extended-warranty/)

[airdote22]

Gizmo's on 441 will charge $40 to check it out. Parts are extra.

[Nucky]

I wish you well with the outcome of this situation. I had a policy thru Duke Electric that I thought would cover me for exactly the same situation as you have. My appliance that was zapped by a lightning strike was an LG Stove. Unfortunately, the policy only covered appliances with motors in them. I had to upgrade to the next policy to be covered for everything.

The lightning struck a Palm Tree and the shrapnel did a whole lot of exterior damage. Thankfully we are okay and that's all I really care about.

I hope you post the end result of your repair caper. It is very interesting that Samsung would take care of anything when its reputation is the exact opposite. I wish you well.

[Byte1]

A house two houses away was struck and had some fire damage to the attic area. My TV was taken out as well as a brand new DVD player and my computer internet adapter. The TV was still covered by the manufacture's warranty, just a little less than the year covered. I contacted the TV man. and they sent someone locally out with a replacement power board for my TV. It took longer to remove all the screws on the back panel than it did to fix the TV. It was free due to the warranty. My home owners insurance had a thousand buck deductible, and when I called the electric company because I had the whole home surge protector, they told me that it wasn't covered. Only motor powered electronics was covered in the home.

[Mrprez]

I wish you well with the outcome of this situation. I had a policy thru Duke Electric that I thought would cover me for exactly the same situation as you have. My appliance that was zapped by a lightning strike was an LG Stove. Unfortunately, the policy only covered appliances with motors in them. I had to upgrade to the next policy to be covered for everything.

The lightning struck a Palm Tree and the shrapnel did a whole lot of exterior damage. Thankfully we are okay and that's all I really care about.

I hope you post the end result of your repair caper. It is very interesting that Samsung would take care of anything when its reputation is the exact opposite. I wish you well.

Any pictures of the aftermath? That sounds really bad, especially with all the palm trees around here.

[davem4616]

bummer....sounds like you didn't have a surge protector between the TV and the wall

the good news is the price of the mega size televisions have come down

[Laker14]

bummer....sounds like you didn't have a surge protector between the TV and the wall

the good news is the price of the mega size televisions have come down

No,I didn't have a surge protector at the receptacle, just the "whole house" surge protector supplied by SECO.

I feel fortunate that I didn't lose my fridge, washer, dryer, and oven. Are the individual surge protectors effective?

[retiredguy123]

No,I didn't have a surge protector at the receptacle, just the "whole house" surge protector supplied by SECO.

I feel fortunate that I didn't lose my fridge, washer, dryer, and oven. Are the individual surge protectors effective?
Yes, they are actually more effective than the whole house surge protector. In my opinion, the whole house protector is a waste of money. In fact, if the lightning came in from the other side of the house (not through your power panel), then it completely bypassed the whole house protector. When buying an individual protector, make sure that it is an actual surge protector and not just a multiple outlet device.

[Topspinmo]

I would be surprised if manufacture would replace TV knocked out by lightning? I bet there fine print somewhere in the warranty?

[Topspinmo]

No,I didn't have a surge protector at the receptacle, just the "whole house" surge protector supplied by SECO.

I feel fortunate that I didn't lose my fridge, washer, dryer, and oven. Are the individual surge protectors effective?


Why wouldn’t SECO pay for it if there surge protection didn’t stop surge? Otherwise why have and pay for the protection if it don’t protect nothing?

[Decadeofdave]

My neighbor had a new smart tv go blank after 1.5 years.
He learned on YouTube how to trouble shoot and replace the LED's. Total cost $8.00. Took about 6 hours to r&r LED's.

[retiredguy123]

I would be surprised if manufacture would replace TV knocked out by lightning? I bet there fine print somewhere in the warranty?
The OP already said that Samsung will repair it (Post No. 15). With no physical damage, I don't think have any choice.

[retiredguy123]

///

[retiredguy123]

Why wouldn’t SECO pay for it if there surge protection didn’t stop surge? Otherwise why have and pay for the protection if it don’t protect nothing?
I would suggest you read the SECO warranty. The "exclusion" section is very interesting. I read it at least 4 times, and could not identify anything in my house that would be covered by the warranty. It does not cover lightning damage. Also, it does not cover electronics (TVs, computers, etc.), or anything that has a microprocessor or a microchip. I think every appliance in my house has some type of microchip, including my microwave, stove, oven, dishwasher, washer and dryer. It doesn't cover anything with a motor. It does not even cover electrical outlets or switches or security systems. I think they hired a team of lawyers to write a warranty where they can deny coverage for everything in your house. LOL.

[Altavia]

No,I didn't have a surge protector at the receptacle, just the "whole house" surge protector supplied by SECO.

I feel fortunate that I didn't lose my fridge, washer, dryer, and oven. Are the individual surge protectors effective?

The best you can do is reduce the risk of damage from lightening. Your whole house may have helped other devices.

Adding local protection at expensive items further reduced the risk.

A lightening protection system will add another level of risk at little more cost than an insurance deductable. IMHO - worthwhile especially if you have corrugated gas lines in the attic.

[keepsake]

A solid path for lightning is in through the cable TV path.

[EdFNJ]

I think most credit cards have eliminated the extra warranty benefit. Do you know of one that still offers it?

Edit 2: I see someone already posted the link I did below (sorry). Reading through it however, it isn't 100% accurate.

Chase Sapphire Preferred ($95/yr) and a few other premium (yearly fee) cards including the high end Amex cards. Don't think any NO YEARLY FEE card does. I have the Chase card and other than the $1200 "new application" bonus they HAD it has a number of other features that cover the fee which I use.

Edit 1: Just found this:
Best credit cards for extended warranty in 2021 - The Points Guy (https://thepointsguy.com/guide/best-cards-for-extended-warranty/)

[thevillages2013]

I would be surprised if manufacture would replace TV knocked out by lightning? I bet there fine print somewhere in the warranty?

Yep if it were me ( sneaky SOB) “ I don’t know it just stopped working “ Samsung.Lightning, what lightning ?

[mtdjed]

A surge arrester is NOT protection from lightning strikes. Only surges in power.

Lightning can cause surges in power. I have had several strikes here in The Villages. I have a whole house electrical surge protector that was fried due to a nearby lightning strike. I have had lightning strike on my flag pole that left burn marks on my lawn that traveled to my Comcast cable line and fried the line. This has happened twice. Also had a surge due to lightning which found the phone line and fried my phones.

Point is that lightening does not need to strike the house. Nearby strikes that ground into power lines, cable lines, telephone lines, water pipes, gas pipes etc. can cause surges and other issues.

Questionable if TV warranty would cover Surge damage. If you bought some added protection or if store offered some protection check the details.

Electrical devices used to be more tolerant of minor surges when they were powered by volts. Now everything is controlled by microcircuits which do not tolerate surges nearly as well.

[thevillages2013]

Thanks Tinker,
We cut the cable cord a while ago. I was streaming. The only connection was via the electric power cord. I use YouTubeTV, which streams via my internet/modem/WiFi, all of which still functions.
I did the unplug/wait/ plug it in again, but alas, no good.

My wife did call Samsung, and they said they'll take care of it.

They do have a fuse to protect the tv from power surges or lightning. Some are glass and you can see it is blown but some are ceramic and have to be tested to see if they are blown. Should be a simple fix for Samsung hopefully

[Laker14]

I look at these systems as "risk mitigation". Just the way my seatbelts and airbags don't "guarantee" I won't get hurt or killed if I have a car accident, I believe they increase my odds for survival. I always buckle up. I've never seen a warranty that comes with a new car that declares a guarantee of survival, yet I think seatbelts and airbags are a good idea.
It's hard to know what is a complete, or nearly complete, waste of money.
I see quite a few homes with metal spikes sticking up along the roof lines, which I assume are lightning arrestor systems. I have no idea what they cost, and how much added protection they provide. I may look into them though.
A golfing buddy of mine, when I told him about my TV, told me that when he lived in Texas he once lost all of the appliances in half of his house to a lightning strike.
Now that it's happened to me, I am more curious about how these things work, and how I might reduce the risk going forward.

[Laker14]

They do have a fuse to protect the tv from power surges or lightning. Some are glass and you can see it is blown but some are ceramic and have to be tested to see if they are blown. Should be a simple fix for Samsung hopefully

That's why I popped the back off to look at the power board. Unfortunately, no easy glass obviously blown fuse. When I didn't see something easy like that, I backed off.

[Sabella]

Thanks Tinker,
We cut the cable cord a while ago. I was streaming. The only connection was via the electric power cord. I use YouTubeTV, which streams via my internet/modem/WiFi, all of which still functions.
I did the unplug/wait/ plug it in again, but alas, no good.

My wife did call Samsung, and they said they'll take care of it.
.
I had Comcast- about 2 years ago a lightning strike hit outside my house . My TV set, my irrigation control box in the garage, my modem and router which I owned were fried. No damage to items visible. Have whole house surge protection. Seco said not their problem the damage came thru my cable lines. To add insult to injury I started to submit paperwork to my house insurance company before submitting All required paperwork I withdrew my claim. I never made a house insurance claim before. My next insurance bill went up about $650. I recently checked on line my house insurance account and it lists my canceled claim under claims made. I contacted the insurance company and requested that be deleted since I withdrew the claim . They said no since the initial form had been filed and it is marked withdrawn.

[VillagerNut]

.
I had Comcast- about 2 years ago a lightning strike hit outside my house . My TV set, my irrigation control box in the garage, my modem and router which I owned were fried. No damage to items visible. Have whole house surge protection. Seco said not their problem the damage came thru my cable lines. To add insult to injury I started to submit paperwork to my house insurance company before submitting All required paperwork I withdrew my claim. I never made a house insurance claim before. My next insurance bill went up about $650. I recently checked on line my house insurance account and it lists my canceled claim under claims made. I contacted the insurance company and requested that be deleted since I withdrew the claim . They said no since the initial form had been filed and it is marked withdrawn.

That’s why I tell everyone to keep the deductible for the house high so you get the discount every year. Then you’re not tempted to try to claim on your homeowners insurance. Doing a claim or calling thinking about it, will definitely increase your homeowners insurance. So unless the damage is thousands above your deductible do not even call your insurance company to check.

[La lamy]

I would suggest you read the SECO warranty. The "exclusion" section is very interesting. I read it at least 4 times, and could not identify anything in my house that would be covered by the warranty. It does not cover lightning damage. Also, it does not cover electronics (TVs, computers, etc.), or anything that has a microprocessor or a microchip. I think every appliance in my house has some type of microchip, including my microwave, stove, oven, dishwasher, washer and dryer. It doesn't cover anything with a motor. It does not even cover electrical outlets or switches or security systems. I think they hired a team of lawyers to write a warranty where they can deny coverage for everything in your house. LOL.
Wow, good for you for reading the fine print. Their "warranty" sounds completely bogus. Thanks for the heads-up.

[Byte1]

As I stated in an earlier post, my TV was damaged because of a lightning strike two houses away. It did not come through the power line or the surge protector would have saved it. Mine came through the cable line and fried my TV, modem, and computer internet adapter. Some how the DVD player was damaged also. Maybe because it was hooked up to the TV? When I contacted the manufacturer, they sent someone over. The TV was repaired at no cost to me. The TV was almost a year old. The fix was as simple as taking the back off and replacing the whole power board, which was pretty small considering the size of the TV.
SECO=NO
Home owners insurance= No
Manufacture = YES

[Stu from NYC]

.
I had Comcast- about 2 years ago a lightning strike hit outside my house . My TV set, my irrigation control box in the garage, my modem and router which I owned were fried. No damage to items visible. Have whole house surge protection. Seco said not their problem the damage came thru my cable lines. To add insult to injury I started to submit paperwork to my house insurance company before submitting All required paperwork I withdrew my claim. I never made a house insurance claim before. My next insurance bill went up about $650. I recently checked on line my house insurance account and it lists my canceled claim under claims made. I contacted the insurance company and requested that be deleted since I withdrew the claim . They said no since the initial form had been filed and it is marked withdrawn.

Dirty pool by insurance company.

[NoMoSno]

I haven't seen a TV repair shop in years, are they still around ?
Yes.
Ace Hardware in Wildwood replaced a power board for $125.
Much cheaper than replacing the TV.

[Jeffery M]

[QUOTE=Laker14;2079624]During yesterday's storm I was watching TV. We had a really close lightning strike. The flash and crack were instantaneous. Not sure where it hit, but I don't think it was my house.
The TV went blank. All other appliances, including WiFi continued to function. The TV, however, did not respond to resuscitavive efforts.
I popped the back off, and nothing looks fried.

Seco Energy also has a Whole-home surge protector that is connected to behind the electric meter into your main electric panel. It costs $6.00 a month on your electric bill. Also it helps to have lightning rods even if it is not a direct lightning strike. I don't know if a TV warrenty will cover the damage from something like that. The problem with repairing an electronic device like a TV is you that you might get away with replacing a component such as the power supply and you'll be just fine. However, there is often something else in the TV that may have sustained damage from the lightning strike and goes out later. That happened to me with a Macintosh computer. The power supply went out and I had it replaced under warranty. A couple of weeks later a video component of the computer started acting up with a permanent herring bone pattern on the screen. The computer had run past the warranty period. It would have been an expensive repair that was not worth it, and no telling what else might have been damaged. So I tossed the computer. It certainly is understandable if you bought a new $5,000 flat screen TV that you would rather try to repair it. However, a TV costing $500, I myself, would not bother, I'd just buy a new one.

[jarodrig]

Yes.
Ace Hardware in Wildwood replaced a power board for $125.
Much cheaper than replacing the TV.

ACE HARDWARE repairs TV ‘s ??

[retiredguy123]

Get a new TV. The cost of a repair is not worth it. It would be advisable to get a high quality surge protector (Not a cheap one) for your electronics. The higher the joules the better. Seco Energy also has a whole house surge protector that is connected to behind the electric meter into your main electric panel. It costs $6.00 a month on your electric bill.
The TV is only 4 months old. It is still under warranty.

[OhioBuckeye]

You should always unplug sensitive appliances. We had a dryer knocked out by lightning. Hope you had the right Ins. on your TV or you’ll get stuck buying another TV out of your own pocket. We didn’t, but our credit card company bought us another one just because we bought it with their credit card. Samsung one yr. warranty was worthless, we had it for 11 months & they’re warranty was pro rated, it still would of cost us almost $400. $300. for circuit board & $100. labor. What a rip off!

[NoMoSno]

ACE HARDWARE repairs TV ‘s ??
Yes.
The one in Wildwood does.
This was a few years ago.

[Altavia]

I look at these systems as "risk mitigation". Just the way my seatbelts and airbags don't "guarantee" I won't get hurt or killed if I have a car accident, I believe they increase my odds for survival. I always buckle up. I've never seen a warranty that comes with a new car that declares a guarantee of survival, yet I think seatbelts and airbags are a good idea.
It's hard to know what is a complete, or nearly complete, waste of money.
I see quite a few homes with metal spikes sticking up along the roof lines, which I assume are lightning arrestor systems. I have no idea what they cost, and how much added protection they provide. I may look into them though.
A golfing buddy of mine, when I told him about my TV, told me that when he lived in Texas he once lost all of the appliances in half of his house to a lightning strike.
Now that it's happened to me, I am more curious about how these things work, and how I might reduce the risk going forward.

After six homes within three miles of me were struck last summer, I had a lightening protection system installed.

Several of the strikes were at the metallic gas line in the attic near the meter connection in the garage.

The cost was a little more than my insurance deductable.

Many of the key Villages buildings (e.g pump houses, offices) are protected.

One of the advertisers here has a good reputation for installation.

[Stu from NYC]

Get a new TV. The cost of a repair is not worth it. It would be advisable to get a high quality surge protector (Not a cheap one) for your electronics. The higher the joules the better. Seco Energy also has a whole house surge protector that is connected to behind the electric meter into your main electric panel. It costs $6.00 a month on your electric bill.

You can also purchase from Seco and pays for itself in a few years.

However from reading this thread is it worth buying?

[Chellybean]

There is a guy on Classified that Sells APC's on the classified at a resonable price. I have them on all my expensive electronic devices. If you get a Lightning strike it Takes out the APC before it hits the device.
I have them on all my electronics. As for lightning rods on peoples home, why would you want to attract lightning to your home, JMHO

[DonnaNi4os]

During yesterday's storm I was watching TV. We had a really close lightning strike. The flash and crack were instantaneous. Not sure where it hit, but I don't think it was my house.
The TV went blank. All other appliances, including WiFi continued to function. The TV, however, did not respond to resuscitavive efforts.
I popped the back off, and nothing looks fried.

Anyone out there have any experience with trying to have a modern TV repaired? Or is this just throw away item now?

Lighting is a huge problem to appliances especially if the strike is close. I have a whole house power surge protector, installed by SECO, as well as a surge protector on each electrical appliance in my house. That includes my garage door opener as well. I also have a surge protector for the cable line to my router. Every barrier helps prevent what you have experienced. In addition I have a surge protector on my AC unit that SunKool installed. Despite every precaution, if the strike is close enough there is the real risk on damage to your appliances. I’m sorry this happened to you, especially with a new tv.

[Laker14]

There is a guy on Classified that Sells APC's on the classified at a resonable price. I have them on all my expensive electronic devices. If you get a Lightning strike it Takes out the APC before it hits the device.
I have them on all my electronics. As for lightning rods on peoples home, why would you want to attract lightning to your home, JMHO

what does APC stand for?

[Laker14]

VillageTinker, what is your opinion on the lightning arrestor systems I see around the neighborhood? I'm talking about the ones with the metal rods that stick up along the roof lines?

[BobnBev]

Be sure to check your sprinkler's timer and your garage door openers. Voice of experience speaking.:boom:

[Altavia]

Lighting is a huge problem to appliances especially if the strike is close. I have a whole house power surge protector, installed by SECO, as well as a surge protector on each electrical appliance in my house. That includes my garage door opener as well. I also have a surge protector for the cable line to my router. Every barrier helps prevent what you have experienced. In addition I have a surge protector on my AC unit that SunKool installed. Despite every precaution, if the strike is close enough there is the real risk on damage to your appliances. I’m sorry this happened to you, especially with a new tv.

Agree.

If you have A SPA, wise to add a surge protector there also..

[Skip]

I am going to ASSUME the TV was connected to a cable for the television signal. If this is the case the a surge probably came in through the cable to the TV. If you have an external tuner (like Comcast, or Spectrum, etc) test that device to see if it is working. Also, see if the TV has a fuse. Finally, unplug the TV wait several minutes, then plug in again and see if it resets and comes back on.
If all of this fails, then as suggested above contact the manufacturer and the store you bough it from to see about repair or replacement.

Correct. I had a lightning strike about four years ago. The lightning hit the tree in our backyard and spread through the roots in the ground. It actually exploded roots in the lawn. Wow, what power. The current came into the house on the burried cable service not the power service. At the time we had a Comcast Set Top box. It took out that Box and also took out the HDMI input in the HDTV the Box was connected to. The other HDMI input still worked. Called Comcast and they came out and replaced their Set Top Box. The tech assured me, there will be no charge for the visit, it was their problem. We never said the word "lightning". Yet when my bill showed up the next month, Comcast charged me $80 for the service call. It took me 3 months to get that charge removed. They kept saying that the tech coded the call "customer charge" even thought they had a record of their equipment being replaced. Went all the way up to regional VP in Jacksonville before that $80 was removed.

In Florida, any time severe storms are forecast, we shut down and UNPLUG our computers, TVs (now on WiFi) and MY Router and any other expensive equipment from the phone, cable or electric outlets.

BTW, Surge Protectors DO NOT protect against lightning strikes. It goes right through them.

Word to the wise...
Skip

[Skip]

VillageTinker, what is your opinion on the lightning arrestor systems I see around the neighborhood? I'm talking about the ones with the metal rods that stick up along the roof lines?

I'll let him answer but my experience is that they actually attract lightning, but you can still get a lightning strike nearby that comes into your house via the cables/wires. Remember the heavy roof wire leads the lightning into the ground at your foundation. It can still come in via the burried TV cable, etc. I know of one instance where the lightning hit the roof shingles and not the spikes and still caused a fire to the house. They are not 100% effective. But they might help. Hard to collect data on a system like that.

Skip

[Laker14]

I'll let him answer but my experience is that they actually attract lightning, but you can still get a lightning strike nearby that comes into your house via the cables/wires. Remember the heavy roof wire leads the lightning into the ground at your foundation. Cab still come in via the burried TV cable, etc. I know of one instance where the lightning hit the roof shingles and not the spikes and still caused a fire to the house. They are not 100% effective. But they might help. Hard to collect data on a system like that.

Skip

I appreciate your input, thanks.

[Worldseries27]

Watch what you touch. Some capacitors can remain charged.
YEP. Up to 24 hours and can prove fatal

[Wyseguy]

A surge arrester is NOT protection from lightning strikes. Only surges in power.

Wouldn't a lightening strike to the lines result in the surge protector popping before the surge reached the tV? I assume the surge that possibly was the cause of the damage came through the power chord.

[Worldseries27]

during yesterday's storm i was watching tv. We had a really close lightning strike. The flash and crack were instantaneous. Not sure where it hit, but i don't think it was my house.
The tv went blank. All other appliances, including wifi continued to function. The tv, however, did not respond to resuscitavive efforts.
I popped the back off, and nothing looks fried.

Anyone out there have any experience with trying to have a modern tv repaired? Or is this just throw away item now?
forget your lightning story.
Contact store and say my new tv doesn't come on.
Put ball in their court.

[juddfl]

We had 5 tv's when lighting hit between our house and the neighbor. (4 out of 5 went dead) I had comcast at the time. Repairman was able to get 2 back because they were plugged into a surge protector. That was good news because I only wanted 3 tv's anyway. My brother told me to check everything out and don't settle with insurance company. He said that you could find things months later. He was right. A week later the air condition guy came for regular maintenance and it had blown out the surge protector on the furnace. The light had gone from green to red. I had that replaced. It blew out one section of my lawn sprinklers and the box was also blown. That's when he found out that a water pipe was blown and I had to get state inspection approval and they dug up a part of my back yard. I can't remember everything else. Insurance company was good and they ended up sending me 3 different checks every time I found something else. I think that was about it. Check everything out.

[Lightning]

During yesterday's storm I was watching TV. We had a really close lightning strike. The flash and crack were instantaneous. Not sure where it hit, but I don't think it was my house.
The TV went blank. All other appliances, including WiFi continued to function. The TV, however, did not respond to resuscitavive efforts.
I popped the back off, and nothing looks fried.

Anyone out there have any experience with trying to have a modern TV repaired? Or is this just throw away item now?

If there was no physical damage to the home it was probably a near by indirect strike. Did you have any other electronic damage to garage door openers, irrigation system, etc. Did your neighbors have any damage to appliances or electronics? Did you have a surge protector on your meter by SECO or Duke? Would you be willing to share what village you live in?The POA will be sponsoring a presentation on lightning on Tuesday, May 17th, 7 PM, at Laurel Manor. You do not need to be a member to attend.

[Byte1]

You can also purchase from Seco and pays for itself in a few years.

However from reading this thread is it worth buying?

SECO's whole house protector does NOT cover televisions or computers.

[coralway]

On some models, if you remove the back cover, you void the warranty. You don't even have to touch anything, just opening the case voids the warranty.

[Altavia]

I'll let him answer but my experience is that they actually attract lightning, but you can still get a lightning strike nearby that comes into your house via the cables/wires. Remember the heavy roof wire leads the lightning into the ground at your foundation. It can still come in via the burried TV cable, etc. I know of one instance where the lightning hit the roof shingles and not the spikes and still caused a fire to the house. They are not 100% effective. But they might help. Hard to collect data on a system like that.

Skip

Lightning rods along with a full lightning protection system are designed to intercept a lightning strike that is already occuring to a structure and route it safely to ground, preventing a fire and reducing any damage to wiring, appliances and the building itself.

Lightning rods do not attract nor are they designed to attract lightning. Since the descending stepped leader of a lightning bolt doesn't 'decide what to strike' until it is very close to the ground, lightning will only strike a lightning rod system if it already happens to be in (or very close to) the lightning's path.

Check out what SpaceX does to protect their rockets.

[Skip]

Lightning rods along with a full lightning protection system are designed to intercept a lightning strike that is already occuring to a structure and route it safely to ground, preventing a fire and reducing any damage to wiring, appliances and the building itself.


I stand corrected, "attract" was not the word I should have used:
"Lightning rods do not attract lightning; they provide a conductive path for an existing electrical charge that is already in the vicinity. The reason buildings place lightning rods around them is not to draw lightning. But instead, the lightning rod will be more likely to take the strike than the building itself in the event it strikes. This safely transfers that electricity to ground. Otherwise, the lightning strike could create a building fire, damage electrical equipment, or injure people."

Skip

[Topspinmo]

I would suggest you read the SECO warranty. The "exclusion" section is very interesting. I read it at least 4 times, and could not identify anything in my house that would be covered by the warranty. It does not cover lightning damage. Also, it does not cover electronics (TVs, computers, etc.), or anything that has a microprocessor or a microchip. I think every appliance in my house has some type of microchip, including my microwave, stove, oven, dishwasher, washer and dryer. It doesn't cover anything with a motor. It does not even cover electrical outlets or switches or security systems. I think they hired a team of lawyers to write a warranty where they can deny coverage for everything in your house. LOL.


Then why get it.

[Topspinmo]

The OP already said that Samsung will repair it (Post No. 15). With no physical damage, I don't think have any choice.

Taking care of don’t mean it’s free?? We see when repair done?

[Altavia]

Then why get it.

Because it will reduce the risk of damage from a strike on the power line side.

It will also dissipate/limit/reduce some of a strike on the house side.

The warrantee is mostly marketing hype.

[Marlene36]

The OP's TV is only 4 months old. It should be covered under warranty.

I had a Samsung TV with a screen defect, and they sent out a guy in a van who replaced the entire screen.

I had a screen issue too with my Samsung TV, and they sent out a guy to replace the screen. Great Service.:bigbow:

[Rose Ann Vinci Igoe]

During yesterday's storm I was watching TV. We had a really close lightning strike. The flash and crack were instantaneous. Not sure where it hit, but I don't think it was my house.
The TV went blank. All other appliances, including WiFi continued to function. The TV, however, did not respond to resuscitavive efforts.
I popped the back off, and nothing looks fried.

Anyone out there have any experience with trying to have a modern TV repaired? Or is this just throw away item now?

it was a power surge and overloaded your TV... invest in a power surge strip at Best Buy and it will save other electronic devices in the future.

[JMintzer]

it was a power surge and overloaded your TV... invest in a power surge strip at Best Buy and it will save other electronic devices in the future.

Not against a lightning strike, it won't...

[keepsake]

"...It doesn't cover anything with a motor. ..."
Have you found anything it does cover ? If not, maybe lawyers out there are looking for class-action work.

[keepsake]

I don't know if you consider my solution to be cheating !!

I have solar and a hybrid inverter in play. When a storm approaches I go totally off-grid. Run house on the batteries. Every connection on utility side is open circuited. Haven't lost a thing yet.

[daniel200]

No,I didn't have a surge protector at the receptacle, just the "whole house" surge protector supplied by SECO.

I feel fortunate that I didn't lose my fridge, washer, dryer, and oven. Are the individual surge protectors effective?

Your whole house surge protector has two LED lights that are visible and always “ON”. If either of the lights is “OFF” then the unit has taken a heavy lightning hit and is no longer providing protection. In that case it needs to be serviced ( I don’t remember if they charge for this service)

[Laker14]

Your whole house surge protector has two LED lights that are visible and always “ON”. If either of the lights is “OFF” then the unit has taken a heavy lightning hit and is no longer providing protection. In that case it needs to be serviced ( I don’t remember if they charge for this service)

thank you for that information. I'll check it out.

[Laker14]

Samsung fixed the TV under the regular warranty. I did not have an extended warranty.

It took two visits, from a place out of Ocala called "Asurion" ( I think I spelled that correctly).
The first visit they did nothing but confirm what I'd already told them in 3 different conversations on the phone. That is, "it doesn't work"...Then the first guy told me he had to order parts and set up a return appointment for the repair.

Of course, they offer two choices: 9AM-1PM, or 1PM -5PM...The first visit I must have been the first on the list because he was here at 9, and out by 9:20...
Second visit he was here (different guy) at 5:15 and not done until 6:30. Of course, as his afternoon progressed, he couldn't call me at 1:00 and tell me was last on the list and give me a couple of hours to get something done.

But, all complaining aside, they did fix the TV at zero cost to me. And I needed a recovery day from pickleball and swimming anyway, so it's all good.

They never asked me any questions about what was going on when it stopped working, or had I removed the back of the TV. Nothing....just fixed it.