Lightning stikes in our neighborhood...

[nynraleigh]

I actually heard a radio advertisement this morning for "surge protection" from Progress Energy. I was like, I wonder if I would need something like that...after reading this thread, it's worth finding out what Progress Energy offers. I have all my electronics, computers on surge protectors, not sure if that helps. I often wonder about the major appliances though when a storm is happening(a bit late, no? lol)...If your house takes a hit, it would cost plenty to replace such big items, even if your HO insurance covers it. Just a thought.

Here is a link to what Progress Energy offers: Fees involved, which is no surprise

Surge Protection - Progress Energy

[Dire Wolf]

I just found out that this house was someone that I know. Thank goodness they were on vacation.

[mcfamilyof4]

the house 2 doors down from us was one that got hist last summer and it ruined all their TV's and the stereo and all computers. No one was hurt , it was just all replaceable stuff and insurance covered it. I remember my dad always telling me to unplug electronics during a lightening storm, so that is what we do.

[smd669]

Actually....Pine trees are known lightning conductors

[sls76]

Originally Posted by sls76

We had a lightning sensor (or something like that) in our attic hooked up to our security system. We did it because a coworker of my husband's lost her house to fire (started in the attic) in Raleigh because of lightning and we have two small children at the other end of the hall. I think it cost less than $100.

After reading the article I realized we had a heat detection system in our attic.

[NedB]

Originally Posted by al_roethlisberger

Interesting and timely, a WRAL story on this very topic:

Lightning strikes spark protection measures :: WRAL.com

Al

"Normally lightning will strike the tallest object around,” Darin Figurskey, with the National Weather Service said.

Apparently I won't be putting that third floor addition on after all.

[cstleddy]

We recently moved here and our homeowner's insurance, State Farm, sent us a recommendation for Progress Energy's Meter Based Surge Protection and got us 50% off the installation (then it's $6/mo). It must be a popular service as it may take up to three weeks for a technician to get to us.

The lightening strike is diverted through a grounding ?? The system is 45,000 amps surge rated. PE will cover damages to appliances motors and compressors (W/D, fridge, A/C, heating, etc.) sensitive electronics are not covered but they will sell plug in protectors as well starting at about $20 for a 3,000 amp surge rating (they told me I'd pay $70 for a comparable model at a store) this would be for computer, microwave, garage door, tv, etc. as small surges can pass through phone, cable, or sattelite lines and into your home wiring.

During the last storm, I noticed my Corian kitchen counters were statically charged. When I passed my hand, it reminded me of when you try to put two opposing magnets together and you can feel the resistance of the magnetic field. It really freaked me out so I called about the offer.

Of course, this doesn't protect your home from fire or that sort of thing.

[MI-Roger]

Surge supressors contain multiple inexpensive sacrificial electronic devices that "absorb" the damaging current of electrical surges by being destroyed themselves, rather than allowing the surge to damage your expensive electronics or appliances.

You should replace your surge supressors on a regular basis if you live in an area where lightning strikes are comon. The more expensive surge supressors contain more of these devices and might last longer, but you should immediately replace all of your surge supressors if a neighboring home/building/tree was struck by lightning!

TV's, computers, stereos, refrigerators, freezers, etc. are all items which are expensive to replace, can be damaged by an electrical surge, and should be protected by a surge supressor.