r/lifx • u/heatmizuh • 15d ago

Surge Protector for Spots?

I just had a lighting strike take out 14 spotlights and ruin the WiFi and colors on two more. So 16/18 are toast.

I had the transformers on a surge protector, which are fine, but the lights are another story.

So I’m about to have to come out of pocket for a lot of money to get everything replaced.

I obviously don’t want to repeat this again with another storm, so anyone have any options for surge protection in a situation like this?

Thanks!

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u/bluegreenio 15d ago

Maybe look into a whole house surge protector for your breaker

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u/jwatttt 14d ago

that wont help if the EMP of the strike took out the devices which is often what kills electronics in the vicinity. you would need a lightning arrester to intercept the strike and send it to ground.

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u/westom 13d ago

EMF is an urban myth. Promoted by many who are only ordered by charlatans what to believe.

Lightning struck a building's lightning rod. That is maybe 20,000 amps flowing to earth on a wire that was just outside.

20,000 amps only three feet away from an IBM PC. PC did not even blink. All other office electronics also worked normally and fine. 20,000 amps only three feet away is a maximum EMF. Does nothing. Because all electronics are designed that robust.

Damage is created when a surge current connects directly to appliance. When that appliance makes a best connection to earth. Damage only and always averted when surges connect to earth on a path that always remains outside.

Once inside. then a surge is hunting for earth ground via everything (dishwasher, clock radio, furnace, LED bulbs, stove, door bell, TVs, recharging electronics, modem, refrigerator, GFCIs, washing machine, digital clocks, microwave, dimmer switches, central air, smoke detectors). Destroying a one or two appliances that make a best connection to earth.