CurtPalme.com Home Theater Forum

Brian Hampton · Joined: 22 Apr 2006 Posts: 1173

This afternoon a wicked storm rolled in with lots of lightning and some hail. I've got all the theater gear unplugged and the lights tend to flicker and the power has gone off a few times already.

So,.. I unplug the stuff for lightning but I'm curious about others..

-Brian

JustGreg · Joined: 07 Mar 2006 Posts: 3098 Location: Kenosha, WI

Me too Brian...I can't afford the high end Monster Power protection so I just flip the breakers and isolate the entire theater. I usually keep the power off to the room all week and turn it on an hour before going down to turn on the pj for weekend gaming and/or movies. It's been too nice outside lately tho to spend much time in the cave. Wink

Tom.W · Joined: 09 Mar 2006 Posts: 6635

Always ! Cheap insurance ... Wink

**kal** · Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 12:31 am Post subject:

Yup.

I always unplug the stuff from the wall too (just 2 plugs for me) instead of just flipping a switch. Lightning travels 1000's of feet through the air, a little 2mm air gap isn't going to stop it. Better to be safe.

Kal

WanMan · Joined: 19 Mar 2006 Posts: 10270

I don't bother at all. If its going to happen its going to happen. What good is it to unplug it from the electrical source unless its also isolated in every other way as well?

For instance, the OTA antenna and phone cable are all capable of carrying some sort of surge through the system. And how else can you afford to upgrade to that 9500LC or G90?

Hell, I'm thinking of installing a grounding rod to my GE Imager! Very Happy

Person99 · Joined: 09 Mar 2006 Posts: 4899 Location: Flower Mound, TX

I've got whole house surge supression and point of use surge supression, but I've seen it still happen, so I'm safe. Besides, trying to file a claim with a surge supression manufacturer is an exercise in futility.

Dave

Brian Hampton · Joined: 22 Apr 2006 Posts: 1173

Well,

I think the ability of your house to deal with elecrical problems may vary from house to house particularly if you have invested in special gear for surge suppression.

I think my CRT, and most all CRT's, have pretty good built in protection.

Still, when my lights are going on and off and stuff, I go pull the plug. I don't have a phone line or cable line going to my gear so in that sense it's fully isolated when the power is off.

I have heard that sometimes when power is restored to a home is when you get a spike of some type that can be really harmfull.

-Brian

Phil Smith · Joined: 08 Mar 2006 Posts: 7717

My dilemma when a thunder storm hits isn't whether to unplug my gear, it's whether to turn it off and stop watching it. Very Happy

I have no surge protection. I've never had a problem related to lightning in the 51 years I've lived (knock on wood), so I don't sweat it. Not saying that's smart, but I don't worry about it.

WanMan · Joined: 19 Mar 2006 Posts: 10270

Dave, my electrical coop offers a whole-house surge suppression for ~7/month. Not too bad until you read their fineprint, which states it only covers motorized devices like refrigerator, washing machine, etc., and does NOT include electronics.

I suppose it was their thought that counted, right? Smile

nomadII · Joined: 16 Jun 2006 Posts: 252

I have no idea why, but I have been plagued by electrical problems over the years.

The House I had lived in would loose power at least 4 times a year with the majority of these being "gentle" now you see it , now you don't occurrences, regarding lights et al.

Occasionally though there have been more dramatic instances. The transformer which sat within 50 ft of the house has been replaced 3 times within 15 years & when it goes it is quite a fireworks show.

Some of these events show quite an immunity to surge suppressors & the like as well. Getting a component "isolated" is not quite easy as it sounds.
If it is hooked up to phone lines like computer gear. forget it!! Most of what we see as protection is helpful for brownouts, but not up to the physics of an actual close quarters surge/strike. Certain sections of a house can be hit harder than others for no apparent reasons. Odd stuff.

2 events have led to settlements in excess of $8000.00 after a $2000 + deductible and to be honest I did not come out monetarily ahead but did get to shop for some new various & assundries.

Bottom line, if you love it, unhook it if possible.

the big E · Joined: 20 Apr 2013 Posts: 1928 Location: speedwell Tn.

Given how I have had dial up modems get fried from power surge I unplug everything in my home theater and everything else in house when a storm comes

Had lightening strike not far from my house and it traveled a under ground water stream and damaged my grandmas stove, water heater and the water pump we share at the same time( not cool )