Consequences of lighting on electrical appliances and other fire-related questions?

Hi,



My newly purchased house was struck by lightning 3 days after I moved in. The lightning started a fire in the gas fireplace, and this fire propagated to the basement. The electrical system was also damaged. The main electrical panel “blew up” as well as some electrical outlets. In the wall below where the lightning struck, some electrical wires have been cut in two. Other visible damage includes holes done in the roof and walls by firefighters who wanted to ensure fire was not propagating. And, also very present is the smell of smoke.



I’m now dealing with my insurance company and contractor to have the construction repaired, and applicable electrical equipment and appliances replaced. I’m left with many questions and would very much appreciate guidance.



Here are some of my questions:



1. What items in a house will retain the smell of smoke even if they are not burnt? For instance, should I insist that all insulation in the walls be changed? Will rough wood (not varnished) retain the smell of smoke?



2. The embedded ceiling lights in my house do not seem damaged based on a visual inspection. Since no electricity is available in the house at this time, I have no means to validate they are still functional. Assuming they are, are there risks in keeping these equipments? Should I insist that they all be changed to avoid future malfunction of the equipment, or fire hazards?



3. Similarly, all of the equipment below in my house does not show any sign of burning or electrical “explosion”, but I am concerned with how safe they will be once they are put back into operation. I am also afraid they may stop working properly after a while. Would someone please have advice on the risks involved in using these equipment if they have been submitted to a high voltage deflagration? Are there items you recommend be systematically replaced?



a) kitchen fan and bathroom fan

b) electrical heaters (Convect-air type)

c) wall-mounted air conditioning unit

d) speakers embedded in the ceiling

e) various electronic devices to control lighting intensity, ceiling fan speed, etc.

f) home alarm system (electronic control panel, movement sensors and door position sensors)



4. Cables for TV, for telephones, and for speakers, as well as network cables were wired throughout the house. Since most walls are currently still closed, I cannot asses if these wires are burnt. Say they look intact, what should be done? Is it worth testing these wires, and if so, how is the testing to be done? Or since most walls will have to be opened anyways, is it just as well to replace all wires? If a wire still transmits the signal, but has been partially damaged by excessive voltage, what could be the consequences in the long term?



5. Can anyone recommend websites, institutions or others that could provide information?



Again, all answers will be greatly appreciated.



Thanks!Consequences of lighting on electrical appliances and other fire-related questions?
1) Yes. Yes. Yes.

2) If there has been a fire, there are always risks. It wouldn't hurt.

3) Again, if there has been a fire, there are always risks.

a) Anything with a motor should be replaced.

b) Since it's metal on top of copper, yes. Insist that all heaters be replaced.

c) Again, it's metal on top of copper, yes. Replace the A/C units

d) Speakers don't pose a fire hazard as they are very low voltage.

e) Yes. any electronic devices should be replaced as smoke can and will cause problems. Now or later.

f) Same as e.

4) These cables can be tested with



http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=pr…



It will tell you if the connections have gone bad.

To test the insulation of any wires, you will need a



http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/fluke/…



Or equivalent.



Which sends out about 1000 volts through the wires and reads the results to tell you if the copper or insulation has been compromised.



I hope your insurance company isn't giving you a hard time with rebuilding your house. Good luck in all you do and may God bless.Consequences of lighting on electrical appliances and other fire-related questions?
1. Anything that is porous and exposed to the smoke will retain smoke smell and will be difficult to remove.



2. Based on the damage, the insurance company should pay for an electrician to verify all the existing fixtures are still safe.



3. You are best to invest in a %26quot;whole house%26quot; surge protection device. These are installed at the panel and cost between $200 and $600. This will protect devices that are not normally plugged into a surge strip. Devices that can be plugged into a surge strip should continue to be plugged into them. Buy surge protection strips with monitor LEDs on them. For higher sensitivity or expensive equipment, invest in surge protection strips with a guarantee. (will pay to replace the damaged items)

The home alarm system is usually self checking and will show a trouble code if damaged.



4. If you can find an electrician to perform a Megger test (high voltage, low current test to verify the integrity of the insulation). Network cables can be tested. Again, these tests should paid for by the insurance company. If the walls are going to be opened, and your insurance company is agreeable, you can replace the wires. If the wires test ok but you still do not feel comfortable, you will have to replace them at your cost. A wire that has been partially damaged can be tested to verify the damage and it should be replaced. A loss of signal integrity is the consequence. There are also in-line surge suppression devices for RG-59/RG-6 and CAT-6 (and lower) cable.



5.

http://www.leviton.com/OA_HTML/ibeCCtpSc…