[imani504]

Everything in my home went out. The Samsung technician is charging my $250.00 to write up the problems. He says I need a new computer and 3 new TV's. A new telephone and some air conditioning work because the motor is out. Why did this happen?
Microwave, refrigerator, TV's phone, etc. why

[joypulv]

Must have been a bad storm, ouch. Although I know someone who lost everything from faulty power lines out on the road, but he could never prove it, or at least the electric company denied it.

It's called a power surge (or voltage spike/overvoltage/energy spike). Technically it's not volts but joules, but everyone calls it volts. Lightning is a common cause of power surges. Your appliances aren't protected unless you install surge protectors, and those little power strips for $10 that claim to be surger suppressors really aren't enough for what you probably got, losing everything. Do you have HO insurance?

[imani504]

Yes I do have HO insurance. The Samsung tech charged $250.00 to fill out what was wrong with everything. I just do not understand how this could happen. Items not working:
Cordless phones, flat screen 51" TV, Microwave built in, Refrigerator, phones, central air, why and will my HO give me problems. I am at wits end

[Wondergirl]

Cordless phones are fed by electricity. Have you called your HO insurance agent to report this? You are probably covered.

[imani504]

Yes I am trying to gather all the information now. Thanks. I guess I am just trying to understand how this happened.

[Wondergirl]

I've lived in several states during my lifetime and have enjoyed many a thunderstorm, but the ones that have crossed the U.S. this summer have been incredibly awful. We have survived three bad storms just in the past month that have nearly destroyed our beautiful, huge old magnolia tree and also knocked out our power for hours and hours. The lightning flashes were unlike any I've seen before.

Ask your agent how many other claims he is getting and if he has an explanation of what was going on in your area.

[joypulv]

You read your policy to see if power surges are covered or not. You rant and rave if it isn't clear, such as acts of god or lightning, you don't know. Did the power company do any work on the poles in the area after the storm? Contact them anyway, because they can tell you what damage happened where. They might even be able to see where the lightning struck.

It's rare to lose everything. You can't blame the electronics. You could have had a surge suppressor at the panel or at each outlet, although people rarely put them on much except computers, which are very vulnerable supposedly.

[tkrussell]

Instead of assuming it was a lightning strike, I need to suggest that an electrician checked your electrical service, and may need to call in the utility to check their equipment and wiring connections.

A popular reason for damaged appliances is called an open neutral, and can be in your or the utility wiring connections.

While the electrician is there, consider having lightning protection installed at the panel, and always use a good quality surge protector at each sensitive electronic appliance.

While lightning may be the cause, the open neutral may and can occur again, and again.

[imani504]

Thank you so much. I will do exactly as you suggest. This was helpful.

[imani504]

I apologize if you think I am ranting and raving. It is just that I have never had this happen and it was so unexpected. I am a displaced person of Hurricane Katrina from New Orleans. Having loss 55 years of my life there, nothing should surprise me. (13ft. Of water in home for 1 month, paid for but unlivable. Loss of everything including my 78 yr. old Mother. Starting over at 55 is not easy, but I am). I just do not know everything. Believe me I did not mean to sound harsh. Thank you for your answers and suggestions. They are appreciated.