PDA

View Full Version : Can I fix appliance damaged by power surge?


jamrap999
Feb 14, 2009, 05:55 PM
I live in the south of france where we recently had the worst winds in 10 years bringing a lot of phone and power lines down. I was unlucky and my power cables were torn down and snapped. The snapped wires kept on touching causing huge power surges in my house. This made the light bulbs in our house so bright you had to shut your eyes and some even blew up! Also the fridge, tvs, sky box, radios all went too! The only electrical things to survive were the kettle, emertion water heater and a few other bits. What I would like to know is it seems to be the same type of appliance that has blown is there any way to fix these? Are there internal fuses in these pieces of equiptment I can check, could it be the transformers blown, or rectifiers melted. And ultimatly is it worth trying to fix them. I have a basic knowledge of electrics and no insurance to replace these items what should I do?

twinkiedooter
Feb 14, 2009, 07:11 PM
Unfortunately if this was in America I would have to advise you to dispose of all the appliances that were fried during the storm. I never was able to "fix" any appliance that suffered from current surges. I had to replace a central airconditioner, a VCR, a TV and other assorted appliances after a power surge occurred in my home. I know you have different current over there than we do here, but once an appliance experiences reverse current it is fried and must be disposed of or it will be a fire hazard. Do you carry home insurance? This would cover your replacement of these items if you do. Sorry, I didn't read the last sentence where you said you have no insurance. Then I guess you're out of luck.