Storms and power surges: protecting your TV
A storm, a power cut that comes back suddenly, and the TV won't switch on again. It's one of the most common faults, and the easiest to avoid. Here's how to protect your TV and everything connected to it.
- Power surges come in through the mains, theaerial and the or cable
- A surge-protected extension lead protects for just a few tens of euros
- During a severe storm, unplug the TV and the aerial
- Check whether your home insurance covers electrical damage
Where power surges come from
A lightning strike nearby, or the sudden return of power after an outage, sends a voltage spike through the house wiring. This spike can fry the TV's power supply, but it can also travel through the aerial cable, the box cable or the network. A TV connected to several devices is therefore exposed through several entry points.
The right protection
The surge protector power strip
Choose one marked with a protection indicator and, if possible, with inputs for the aerial or network cable. Plug in the TV, the box, the soundbar and the console.
The surge protector at the consumer unit
An electrician can install one in the electrical consumer unit. It protects the whole house and complements the power strip.
Unplug
During a heavy storm, unplug the TV and disconnect the aerial cable. This is the only complete protection.
Other good habits
- Replace a surge protector power strip after a major shock: it may already have "absorbed" its limit.
- Avoid daisy-chained extension leads and overloaded power strips.
- After a power cut, wait one minute before switching the TV back on.
Unplug it for a minute, then try another socket. If it stays off, bring it to us with the receipt. Also check your home insurance: many policies cover electrical damage.
Frequently asked questions
Does a simple power strip protect?
No. Only power strips marked surge protector or anti-surge have a protection component.
Does the warranty cover a storm?
Generally not, as it is not a manufacturing defect. It is your home insurance that may step in.
Is a UPS useful for a TV?
It is not necessary for a TV. A good surge protector power strip is enough.
Come and compare the screens in person
At our Temploux shop, we switch on TVs side by side with your content. Or ask our expert salesperson online, right now.
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