unplugging during lightning storm or?

tdangelo · « **on:** 28 Aug 2004, 01:16 pm »

would turning off the breaker do the trick? We have had storms every day here in Fla. and I'm wearing out my wall plugs. Would just turning off the breakers provide protection?

Thanks

Tony

Hantra · « **Reply #1 on:** 28 Aug 2004, 02:27 pm »

Quote from: tdangelo

would turning off the breaker do the trick? We have had storms every day here in Fla. and I'm wearing out my wall plugs. Would just turning off the breakers provide protection?

Thanks

Tony

No.

If you're concerned about a lightning hit, breakers are just going to be like a light appetizer for the surge. Unplug.

ctviggen · « **Reply #2 on:** 28 Aug 2004, 06:24 pm »

I've added a "whole house" surge suppressor at my panel. I also my components (other than my amps) on a Monster power center. However, in heavy lightning, I'll still unplug stuff. As for whether just flipping the breaker is good enough, that's a pretty good question. I would think that a hit a ways from you, that causes a temporary fluctuation of voltage on your lines wouldn't get through an open breaker. However, all bets are off if there's a strike near you.

orthobiz · « **Reply #3 on:** 29 Aug 2004, 02:03 pm »

Have the power distributing PS Audio Power Director 3.5. Supposed to provide a few layers of surge protection. Throwing caution to the wind, I have stopped unplugging...

biz

TheChairGuy · « **Reply #4 on:** 29 Aug 2004, 02:16 pm »

Just move to California - few lightning storms here. Just bolt down your equipment and speakers, tho

pharsyd · « **Reply #5 on:** 29 Aug 2004, 05:34 pm »

I would think ANYTHING plugged in during a direct lightning strike is going to be fried period. Regardless of surge protection. That is more for surges from unstable power supplies or quick on off power failures. I don't beleive there is much help for direct strikes. I know of even whole house protection circuits that have failed. I unplug to be safe. And trust me i know how big of a pain it can be. IMO anyways.

tdangelo · « **Reply #6 on:** 29 Aug 2004, 08:56 pm »

kinda figured that turning off the breaker wouldn't work. I came home one a few years ago and the lighting turned on my system and it was playing... Freaky. Thanks for the advice.

Tony D.

michael w · « **Reply #7 on:** 30 Aug 2004, 02:40 am »

And don't forget to check your home contents insurance will cover you for lightning strike, power surges etc.

electricbear · « **Reply #8 on:** 30 Aug 2004, 03:21 pm »

I agree with Pharsyd, I manage an audio store in the good old midwest and we get our fair share of fried equipment coming across the doorstep. The only and I stress only way to protect your equipment is to unplug it . I have seen all manner of surge/ lightning protectors fry and allow the connected equipment to get damaged. Lightning will arc several miles across the sky do you think that an open contact with an air gap of 1/8 inch will stop it? Run high quality dedicated outlets directly from your board for sound quality and check that your insurance policy covers electrical damage. I do not use any kind of protection on my equipment as I don't want to sacrifice the sound quality , I watch the weather forcast and unplug everything if there is the likelyhood of a storm.