Lightning came through my ISPs coax and fried my modem, router, and PC. Blew up the PSU.

[Blvckhvrt]

There was a lovely storm today. Decided I'd unplug my computer from the wall since power surges aren't uncommon for me here. Then I went and took a nap while listening to the storm. That was until I was woken up by what sounded like a gunshot. Tried to tell my Google assistant to turn the lights on and it said it couldn't connect. So I check the router and it's just... Dead. No lights, nothing. Same with the modem. Weird. I try restarting then and still nothing. Check the breaker downstairs, all good. Go back up and check them again, still dead, and I see scorch marks on the ethernet cords.

 

Keep following to the back of the PC and yep, scorched that too. So I plug the pc back in to see if my worst fears have come true, what with the literal explosion and magic smoke I smell, and they are. Not a single sign of life from the computer. Not just the computer not turning on, no. All the little things the light up when you plug it in, nothing. Whole things gone as far as I know. Since the PSU exploded, I can only assume everything connected got fried too.

 

 

So now I'm just left with the question, anyone know how I can prevent this in the future? Should at least be able to get internet tomorrow, but I'd like to avoid this again if anyone's got any tech tips. Luckily I got a 4 year protection plan on the modem and router. PCs a different story, probably won't be back until next year, if ever. Car broke last week, so still gotta pay however many hundreds, if not more to fix that, if it's even fixable. Definitely can't get a new PC anytime soon.

[da na]

I don't think the PSU exploded, most likely just a couple caps on the motherboard sploded. There are Ethernet surge protectors, perhaps consider one of those? 

[Blvckhvrt]

9 minutes ago, Mel0nMan said:

I don't think the PSU exploded, most likely just a couple caps on the motherboard sploded. There are Ethernet surge protectors, perhaps consider one of those? 

I was hoping that might be the case but there's a bunch of things in my build that were powered by the PSU like my rgb fans. Since those aren't even lighting up, I'm thinking it's the PSU. Can't test it though, don't have any other PC's in the house, or friends who play on PC I can ask to help me test.

 

Haven't heard of an ethernet surge protector though, might have to get one of those too. Although, even if I had that I'd still have to replace the modem. I tried looking for a coax surge protector but so far everything I've found are like $6 and look like they're just those little nubbins you use to extend a coax, and I'm not sure how much I trust that.

[wONKEyeYEs]

21 minutes ago, Blvckhvrt said:

ethernet surge protector

My UPS has an Ethernet surge protector.

https://www.cyberpowersystems.com/product/ups/pfc-sinewave/cp1350pfclcd/

[Blvckhvrt]

49 minutes ago, comander said:

Ideal lightning proofing: use fiber optic instead of copper to do networking, have everything electrical on surge protectors/UPS connected to ground. 

 

As hinted at, your best bet is a surge protector, that's connected to ground. SFPing all the things isn't very practical. 

 

Also, a sufficiently strong lightning strike will just kill everything and there's no GOOD protection. The above only mitigates the small and medium strikes (usually more common). 

 

----

 

For what it's worth when lightning struck my father's ISP it only took out the modem and router. The computer was fine. 

 

You might be able to get SOME help from your ISP in replacing some of your gear. Check. 

It happened around 3:40 and when I called at 4 their offices had already closed so I could only get in contact with a tech support guy via the online chat box. Guy couldn't tell me anything about any help with the gear but he went ahead and scheduled a tech to check the lines, so hopefully it doesn't happen again. Gonna try again tomorrow and see if I can actually manage to speak to anyone.

 

Hopefully they can help me out with it, and hopefully my HDDs survived. I've been working on music to try and get through my dad passing in May, and if that's all gone I'll be devastated man.

[jsrfuture]

There are many surge protector have phone, ethernet and coax protection build in, get a decent one if you can't afford an ups.

[Donut417]

9 hours ago, Blvckhvrt said:

anyone know how I can prevent this in the future?

The Coax should be grounded outside to the same ground used by the power company. They do make Coax surge suppressors (https://www.amazon.com/VCE-Satellite-Lightning-Protector-5-2500MHz/dp/B07525CLKR/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2Y3K39NC8JQAW&dchild=1&keywords=coax+surge+protector+lightning+arrestor&qid=1628678963&sprefix=Coax+sur%2Caps%2C188&sr=8-4) Essentially it will screw in on the line generally between the ISP's network and your own. If lightning touches it, it will pop and prevent current from coming thru the line. Ive never tested one myself, but I know they exist. 

 

I would highly suggest not running your internet line thru a normal surge suppressor as it could cause interference on the line and cause issues with Internet connectivity. 

[AlanZ]

Electrical engineer here. 

 

The best solution (might be unrealistic) is to get rid of coax altogether. I did and couldn't be happier. Options are fiber or cellular (satellite isn't really a great option if you are trying to stay away from surges). I went with cellular. If you can't ditch coax then buy this specific protector:

 

https://soundapproach.com/transient-protection-design-tpd-cable-coaxial-cable-surge-protection.html

 

and ground it to your electrical panel ground. Do not create a different grounding point!!! If you are not sure about the grounding, call the company that makes it, they will guide you through. 

If you need a quality surge protector for your electrical line, buy something like this:

 

https://www.ametekesp.com/surgex/standalone/standalone-120-208v

 

Good Luck and I am sorry this happened to you.