electrical storm

[ghurd01]

We had a lightning strike very close to our house. It (I think) fried our cable box and knocked out a GFI plug in our bathroom. We have another GFI receptacle in our other bath but it is fine. Can lightning knock out a GFI plug to where it is fried? ghurd01

 

[Little Bill]

Yes, I've seen several GFCI receptacles "fried" due to lightning. Also a large surge in power can do it.

 

[user 100]

We had a lightning strike very close to our house. It (I think) fried our cable box and knocked out a GFI plug in our bathroom. We have another GFI receptacle in our other bath but it is fine. Can lightning knock out a GFI plug to where it is fried? ghurd01

For sure lightning will ruin gfcis and in general, its not that unusual for one piece of equipment connected to the electrical system to survive while another gets toasted- the current associated w/lightning has a mind of its own.

You'll want to contact an electrician to replace that gfci and while he's there you could ask him about whole house surge protection that you can get installed....

 

[ptonsparky]

Common failure. Newer GFCIs seem to handle the lightning better.

 

[goldstar]

Can lightning knock out a GFI plug to where it is fried? ghurd01

Absolutely! You should consider a surge suppressor- lightening arrester at you MBP. In all fairness, it's no guarantee but will act like a car's shock absorber. If you didn't have shocks in your car you would feel every bump. Of course, if you get a direct hit you can kiss everything goodbye.

 

[jumper]

Best solution for lightning protection IMO:

Good documentation and plenty of insurance.