Do lightning strikes affect electronics or appliances that are not plugged in?
There are 2 effects from lightning that we are concerned with. The first is a direct strike to a residence. A direct strike may cause a fire, explosion, or the excessive current may get into internal building systems (electrical wiring or plumbing piping) causing damage. These items we take care of with a structural lightning protection system to provide a safe path for the lightning to follow into the ground without damage to the structure or contents. The second effect is an indirect strike to power, phone or cable TV lines outside a building that then travels along those lines into the house. Left alone, a surge along these lines may damage internal wiring and attached equipment. There are two additional functions of a complete lightning protection system – bonding various system grounds together and providing surge protection devices on incoming lines that help stop this damage. If you unplug all equipment attached to electric, telephone, or antenna and cable lines, then you will s
