I've had lightening strike a tree in the backyard, resulting in a power surge
coming into the house via the electrical ground.  It blew-out the TVs because
most all TVs with remote control are still 'powered-on'.

Because this was an 'Act of God', our insurance covered replacing the TVs.

Early on in our new house a power surge due to a storm fried-out the pool
control equipment but because it was so new and under warranty the pool
company replaced the components.  At that point I added a special device
to the panel that would protect the pool equipment, and the installer indicated
it would probably protect the house as well, as it applied to the incoming
main circuits.

In terms of the accident causing your problem, perhaps the person's car
insurance could be held responsibility due to their liability coverage. They
have to pay for the pole/etc. and any other collateral property damage due
to the policy holder.  Worse case is you could file suit (small claims?) to
the car owner for the damage as well.



At 10:34 AM 4/23/2003, John Lee wrote:
>OK you well-rounded group, here's my story:
>
>Yesterday, my kids come home to find we've had a power outage for a couple
>hours and the TV's aren't working.  When I get home, I find that 6
>electronic components have been "fried" (2 VCRs, DVD, TV, tape
>deck,satellite receiver) and they were all on a surge protector (about a
>$30 one).  My home PC has about a $100 APC surge protector on it...the
>protector is fried, but the PC still powers up.  I call the power company
>and they send someone out.  Turns out a car had hit a power pole causing
>the outage and according to this person, probably sent either a surge
>through the line or current through the ground line, hence doing all this
>damage.  He said "it happens all the time...there's nothing you can do"..I
>don't believe him.  How many of you have had electronic equipment at  home
>fried?  How often?  Does anybody know what the power company's obligations
>are as far as delivering clean and constant power?  The person I talked to
>said they had no obligation, and that frequently replacing electronic
>components is a fact of life today.  Well, I can't afford to replace PC's
>and stereo equipment every time a squirrel jumps on the line and shorts it
>out, as I was told happens "all the time".
>
>Anybody using a "whole-house power conditioner"?
>
>John Lee
>
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