The short answer
What Lightning Does to Your Appliances
A lightning strike can send a surge of electricity through power lines and into your home's electrical system. That surge can overwhelm the delicate electronics inside appliances, damaging circuit boards, motors, and compressors. Refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, and televisions are all vulnerable.
The damage may be immediate, like a tripped breaker or a burnt smell, or it may show up days later as a slow failure. Sometimes a surge damages only part of a component, leaving the appliance working but unreliable. You might not notice the problem until the appliance stops working or behaves erratically.
Signs Your Appliances Took a Hit
After a storm, check your appliances for common signs of surge damage. Look for a dead display, a unit that won't turn on, or one that makes unusual noises. A burnt smell near an outlet or appliance is a clear warning sign.
Also check for tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses in your electrical panel. If an appliance worked before the storm but now acts up, a surge is a likely cause. Unplug damaged appliances to prevent further issues and avoid using them until a professional inspects them.
- Dead display or no power at all
- Unusual buzzing, clicking, or humming sounds
- Burnt smell near the appliance or outlet
- Tripped breaker or blown fuse
- Appliance works but behaves erratically
- Error codes or flashing lights on the control panel
Protecting Appliances from Surges
The simplest protection is to unplug sensitive appliances during thunderstorms. For larger appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners, unplugging isn't practical. Instead, consider installing a whole-home surge protector at your electrical panel to help absorb excess voltage.
Plug smaller electronics into surge-protected power strips, which can divert some surge energy. Remember that no protection is absolute, and a direct strike can overcome many safeguards. If you live in an area with frequent thunderstorms, it's wise to have a plan for unplugging valuable items.
What to Do After a Lightning Strike
If you suspect lightning damaged your appliances, start by checking your electrical panel for tripped breakers. Then inspect each appliance for visible signs like scorch marks or a burnt smell. If you see damage, unplug the appliance and leave it off until a professional can assess it.
Document any damage with photos and notes, especially if you plan to file an insurance claim. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Keep records of the storm date and any repair estimates, as this information may help your claim.
When to Call the Pros
Some appliance damage is obvious, but other damage hides inside. A professional can test your appliances and your home's electrical system for hidden surge damage. They can also check wiring and outlets that may have been affected.
If water damage accompanies the lightning strike, such as a burst pipe from a power surge, you may need water damage help. Local water damage pros can assess and dry affected areas to prevent mold and structural issues. Their work usually involves inspection, documentation, and cleanup as needed.
- Check appliances for visible damage first
- Unplug anything that looks or smells damaged
- Take photos of damage for your records
- Call a professional to test hidden damage
- If water is involved, seek water damage assessment
- Keep your insurance policy details handy
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Call Now (480) 898-4279Frequently asked questions
Can a lightning strike damage appliances that are turned off?
Yes. A surge can travel through wiring and reach appliances even when they are off. The internal circuits are still connected to the power source, so a surge can damage them. Unplugging is the only way to fully disconnect an appliance from the electrical system.
Will my insurance cover lightning damage to appliances?
Homeowners policies often cover lightning damage, but it depends on your specific policy and deductible. Check your policy documents or contact your insurance company to understand what is covered. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.
How can I tell if an appliance is damaged but still works?
Watch for subtle signs like unusual noises, intermittent operation, or error codes. A surge can weaken components without causing immediate failure. If you suspect damage, have a professional test the appliance to avoid a future breakdown or fire risk.