After every major lightning storm I am likely to get calls on machines with electronic control boards. It’s strange that in some homes the appliance electronics are far more susceptible to power surge damage than others.
For instance I personally see more controls damaged by lightning on the west side of San Antonio outside of 1604. That may just be coincidence but it is what I have noticed over the past few years.
The simple fact is you need to treat your appliances like a desktop computer these days and plug them into a surge protector.
Most machines do not have adequate protection from power surges. I have had to replace Samsung refrigerator control boards and the only thing wrong with them is the fuse is blown. Problem is the fuse is not replaceable! So the whole board (in some cases $100 – $300) has to be replaced.
Take my advice. Go out today to a Home Depot, Lowes, or small electronic store and pick up a surge protector. Or you can get one from Amazon. Here’s a good one…
Electronic Surge Protector for Refrigerators up to 27 Cuft and Freezers
It doesn’t matter if it states it’s for refrigerators or freezers. Use a surge protector on any appliance with electronics that plugs into a regular wall outlet. This includes microwave ovens, dishwashers, some gas ranges and ovens, refrigerators, freezers, washers, gas dryers, and some icemakers.
Do it now you’ll be happy you did later.
