[TowerTalk] Lightning Strike

[kb9cry at comcast.net]

First question would be to please describe your grounding system.  Coax, computer, electric service, phone, etc.  Phil  KB9CRY

-------------- Original message -------------- 

> Yesterday the XYL called my office to say lightning had struck the tower 
> (again!). She did not see the strike but guessed it hit the tower. Upon 
> arrival at home I found many problems: 
> 
> 1. Computer LAN cable apparently carried sufficient voltage to destroy all 
> connected equipment (NIC's, routers, switches, satellite modem). One PC 
> will not boot. 
> 
> 2. One PC monitor now displays purple around the edges and green in the 
> center. The satellite modem was positioned adjacent to the monitor 
> (actually touching the cabinet) and I am guessing it caused EMP when it blew 
> from the LAN connection. 
> 
> 3. Alpha 87A will not turn on. Checked and found no voltage at power 
> outlet. Found breaker in service panel tripped. Reset breaker, have 230VAC 
> at outlet, still will not turn on. Need to check amp fuse. 
> 
> 4. Phone inoperative. Called for service. They detect problem on line 
> outside house. 
> 
> 5. Satellite TV to shack inoperative. Tried receiver reset, no luck. 
> Satellite works fine in main house. 
> 
> This is sort of a mystery to me. But here is my analysis: 
> 
> The shack is a 1000 sq ft "apartment" about 50 feet from the main house. It 
> has den, kitchen, bedroom, bath, laundry, etc. It has its own power service 
> and meter. There is a conduit running between the house and shack that 
> carries prone line, LAN cable and TV cable. It enters the shack through the 
> same area used for AC power meter and breaker box. I am guessing that these 
> cables picked up a rather large EMP from the strike. 
> 
> I would like opinions from the list. Thanks. 
> 
> Keith 
> 
> _______________________________________________ 
> 
> See: http://www.mscomputer.com for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless Weather 
> Stations", and lot's more. Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any questions 
> and ask for Sherman, W2FLA. 
> 
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