Can Cable TV Surge a TV Set?

by William Jensen, Demand Media

Sometimes TV cables carry more than audio and video.

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An electrical surge can reach a television set through cable TV coaxial wire. This may damage the TV set or other video equipment the cable connects to. The coaxial input jack is not designed to accept electricity, let alone high voltages. The danger proves greatest for newer TVs in areas with frequent thunderstorms. Fortunately, there are at least a couple of ways to decrease the risk of such a surge.

Causes

Various disruptions such as lightning can cause cable TV power surges. The Federal Citizen Information Center indicates that electricity from lightning strikes may travel through cable television wires. More distant strikes have less potential to cause harm. The closer the lightning strike or other surge generator, the more preventive measures are necessary to curtail damage. In some cases, only an entirely disconnected television will escape harm.

Effects

The harmful effects of cable TV power surges vary depending upon the strength of the surge; most electronics will handle a certain amount of excess voltage, at least temporarily. A very strong power surge can destroy a TV set immediately, according to the Wake Forest, NC, town website. Small surges may cause minor harm to electronics, decreasing how long they will last. Either way, surges result in more frequent replacement, repair, installation and disposal costs.

Vulnerability

Certain factors make some cable-connected TV sets more vulnerable to a power surge than others. Unplugging the power cord of a TV without removing the cable TV wire increases the risk of power surge damage, according to the Federal Citizen Information Center. The TV is no longer grounded by the AC power cord when this happens. Orcas Power & Light Cooperative indicates that most TV sets still remain vulnerable to power surges when turned off. Old TVs without remotes and some portable TVs aren't as vulnerable because they fully disconnect the power when switched off.

Mitigation

To reduce the potential for cable TV power surges, take precautionary measures to prevent surges from reaching the television. Connect the cable to a surge protector with coaxial input/output jacks. Disconnect the TV set from the cable before leaving your home or business for an extended period of time. Only completely detaching TV sets from all outside signal and power cables will absolutely prevent electrical surge damage. If you don't have a surge protector with cable and AC power connections, fully disconnect the TV during a thunderstorm.

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References

  • Federal Citizen Information Center: Where Do Surges Come From?
  • Federal Citizen Information Center: What Kind of Appliances?
  • Wake Forest, NC: Power Surges
  • Orcas Power & Light Cooperative: FAQ: Surge Protection

About the Author

William Jensen began working as a full-time freelance writer in 2007. His work has appeared on various websites. He attended Central Maine Community College for two years, studying computer technology.

Photo Credits

  • Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images