[amphead]

A large transformer blew at an electrical sub-station today in Dixon, California and forced a 50,000 volt spike into local homes and businesses. Computers, dvd players and other items plugged into the wall socket were fried.

 

[cash68]

Woah. >runs to backup data to external HD<

 

[mattcalf]

Oh wow, I feel for those effected!

 

[Zorander]

Does this imply those with surge suppressors are also affected?

 

[KGB]

Quote:

Originally Posted by amphead /img/forum/go_quote.gif A large transformer blew at an electrical sub-station today in Dixon, California and forced a 50,000 volt spike into local homes and businesses. Computers, dvd players and other items plugged into the wall socket were fried.

Oh noes.

 

[amphead]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zorander /img/forum/go_quote.gif Does this imply those with surge suppressors are also affected?

Yep, they weren't rated for that much craziness.

 

[TheMarchingMule]

Wooow!

Heh, I had to look up where in California the city was located.

Dixon, California - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[Lazarus Short]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cash68 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Woah. >runs to backup data to external HD<

Your external HD is also plugged into the wall socket??

 

[progo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lazarus Short /img/forum/go_quote.gif Your external HD is also plugged into the wall socket??

Sure these needs external power unless they are small 2,5" disks that take so little power they can be fed by USB power.

 

[LostOne.TR]

ouch... hope insurance covers that for most of them. Must be a huge hassle to have to replace so many things in the house.

 

[Suntory_Times]

Quote:

Originally Posted by LostOne.TR /img/forum/go_quote.gif ouch... hope insurance covers that for most of them. Must be a huge hassle to have to replace so many things in the house.

I wonder if anyone is trying to / considering suing. They may have a case if the company was not acting within guidlines etc (and lets face it, imagine if we got up one morning to find that all of our audio equipement, tv's, fridges etc had stopped running, it would be hell).

 

[cash68]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lazarus Short /img/forum/go_quote.gif Your external HD is also plugged into the wall socket??

Yes, but I back mine up and then unplug it, purely for this reason. I also switch it out with one at my mom's house 75 miles away every few months in case of a fire.

 

[gadgetman]

Is there any URL to the news article?

 

[fatcat28037]

If your Insurance doesn't cover it maybe the Power company will, or their insurance company.

 

[Benj]

A lot of the surge portectors have stickers all over them saying stuff like "Covers up to £50,000 of equipment" but don't know if they'd pay up for something like this?