Question:
Television Not Working After Lightning Storm?
Mango
2012-07-13 09:53:32 UTC
After a lightning storm a few days ago, my Sony Bravia stopped working, as in, it won't turn on. The green power button is not flashing. When the television is plugged in after a while, it makes the noise, as if it was turning on, but then it makes the noise as if it were turning off. However, if I unplug and replug the television after this, it doesn't make any sound at all. I suppose it's fried from the lightning storm, but does anyone have any suggestions as to what else could have happened and is there anyway to fix it myself?
Seven answers:
kg7or
2012-07-13 11:24:16 UTC
Most likely, you made the number one mistake of TV and video equipment owners: failure to use a surge protector. People will spend thousands on an HDTV, then fail to spend a tiny fraction of that to protect it from the necessity of a very expensive repair bill. Voltage surges on the power line are a *very* common cause for electronic equipment failures, especially HDTVs.



Your TV's power supply has been taken out by a voltage surge on the power line, common during storms or other power outages. It might be repairable, but you'll have to take it to a service shop to find out.



While it's in the shop, visit the electrical department of a large hardware store and buy yourself two surge protectors. Don’t get the cheapest you can find. Those selling in the U.S. for around $10 to $15 USD are little more than power strips. You should expect to pay in the range of $30 to $50 USD or more for a unit that will confidently protect a few thousand dollars worth equipment.



Check the specs on any surge protector you’re considering. Look for the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) label, a transient or clamping voltage of 330 volts (both for U.S. systems), and a joule rating in the thousands (2000 to 4000 or more).



Be sure to plug all of your electronics into the surge protector: TV, DVD player, cable or satellite box, home theater receiver, surround sound amplifier. etc. The second one is for your computer and its peripherals (printer, scanner, Internet modem, router, etc.). If it’s electronic, it’s at risk for surge damage.



Surge protectors come with a monitoring circuit that continually tests its quality. When it’s providing full protection, an LED or other light is illuminated and remains steady. If the light goes out or begins to blink, the surge protector should be replaced. (It can still be used as a power strip but not a surge protector.)
Rich
2012-07-13 13:07:30 UTC
Possibly, more than a fuse.. A lightning surge is quick and damaging to components... If a bit old, consider a replacement... (For what it is worth, Sony Bravia has the worst history lately with returns and replacements.) Poor quality from the older days.. Consider a better brand such as Samsung or Panasonic...Repairs are rather costly on HDTV's......
anonymous
2014-03-19 08:25:26 UTC
My 50in lcd tv went out during lighting storm. Thought it was fried. could even smell plastic burn. Plugged it in to a different socket after 24 hours and it works fine. So before you call someone, unplug immediately at least 24 hours, may work for you as well, use new surge protector. march 2014
anonymous
2012-07-13 13:15:29 UTC
Hi Mango,



I’m Pat Kennedy with Sony Support USA..Some helpful information, including How To & Troubleshooting, Videos & Tutorials and News & Alerts, may be found at Sony's eSupport website @ http://esupport.sony.com/.



If you are unsuccessful in locating a solution there, please call our priority service # @ 1-888-750-7669 Hours:



■Mon-Fri 8:00am-12:00am (Midnight) ET

■Sat-Sun 9:00am-8:00pm ET



Thank you !
heartbeat
2015-12-26 17:11:34 UTC
Why did my tv stop working after a storm
?
2012-07-13 10:30:21 UTC
if lightning strike on power line,produces a spike ( high amplitude short duration pulse).

if you do not have a surge protector for tv....it damages power supply board ......

usually switching transistor is a common trouble .
anonymous
2016-08-21 08:20:56 UTC
Thanks to each and every one of you for the answers.


This content was originally posted on Y! Answers, a Q&A website that shut down in 2021.
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