A huge power surge destroyed all my electrical appliances. Who is to blame?

Question

At around 11:30PM on January 23rd, 2007 as I was typing on my PC the lights began to flicker and my computer began turning on and off. The lights then became extremely bright followed by a booms outside then the lights dimmed so low it looked as if they were about to burn out. The house phone was on began to cut out and made a loud screeching sound and then...silence.

These strange events lasted for nearly 15 minutes when a knock at the front door got my attention. It was a fireman informing me to shut off my computer if I had one because of electrical problems that were occurring in the area. I immediately did so.

It was not until the morning I discovered that my two TV's, all three cordless phones, a microwave, two alarm clocks, my entire computer, VCR/DVD, DVR/Cable Box had all been destroyed due to the massive power surge they endured. After surveying each and every unit I learned that all appliances in every apartment was damaged or destroyed.

Who is to blame for this?

I might add that only one of the tenants obtained renters insurance. All other's claim, including myself, were never offered insurance at the time the contract was signed. We are all aware that having this insurance might have helped us purchase new equipment, but none of us feel that this was under our control. The apartment should have had proper grounding to prevent such an explosive power surge that destroyed thousands of dollars worth of hard-earned electrical equipment.

I have spoke with evert tenant and listed each destroyed item and I have contacted two local TV stations so that we can get our story heard and hold someone accountable for our losses.

Are there any legal actions I can take?

****JUST TO MAKE THINGS CLEAR****
Surge protectors were connected to the computer as well as the TV, VCR/DVD & DVR/Cable Box. They DID NOT protect them.

Answer 1

In many states, the local electrical utility is responsible for delivering proper power to their customers and when they don't, they can be required to replace any damaged equipment. They get to sue people who cause them problems (like an accident that damages their equipment, which then damaged your equipment).

You should contact your local utility to see if they will voluntarily replace your losses, and if not, then contact your state power utility regulators to see if they can be compelled to. You, as a public utilities customer, should not be not required to foresee all of the possible power problems that might occur -- that's the utility's job.

You probably ought to get a copy of any police or fire report of the incident that led to the fireman knocking on your door. That would probably help your case when you file a claim with the utility or state regulators.

Answer 2

Wow, I really feel bad for you =/ Your not going to like what I have to say, but this is with many years in the computer industry, electronics and electrical fields, and a lot of studying of surge protection techniques.

Unfortunately, you are to blame.

It is your responsibility to chose to take Renter's insurance, or otherwise insure your property. You do not have to be offered it (at least where I live).

This may vary by location but generally any time a suite or room or home is renovated, if it has old ungrounded plugs, they must be brought to code, with proper grounding. Otherwise, ungrounded is acceptable until such time as renovations are performed.

You failed to unplug your devices. Sacrificial surge protectors can not handle a lot before they die. -ANY- time you are aware of a significant fluctuation in your electrical service, you should unplug your valuable electronics even if hooked up to a fancy $300 Monster Surge Protector.
It will do about as much a sa $10 dollar APC/Belkin/Store Brand model will.

"The lights then became extremely bright followed by a booms outside"
If it was me, I would have been yanking cords as soon as I saw this happen.

The unfortunate reality is surge protectors are barely worth the plastic they are molded from. I'm not trying to hype a product here, but consider something like a BrickWall ( www.brickwall.com ) All your other surge protectors have Metal Oxide Varistors in them that leach off excess current but in the process it weakens them, after a while they burn out. They will not handle a 3000 volt spike. they can do nothing (And for the record, neither can a Brick Wall) about a power sag.. what if your 120V suddenly drops to 80V? that can kill some sensitive devices. If sag is really a concern(Probably is not), consider a battery backup.

Bottom line..

1. Personally, I would say dont waste your money on a lawyer, save your cash and replace your valuable electronics. However, I'm not American and maybe there is something you CAN do in the States, I do not know. Someone who knows building code and law for your area can help you there better. May also help to check with your local agency (May be a state agency) that mandates and or governs renting, and tenant rights.

2. Learn about how surges and sags work and how to protect yourself the best you can.

I really do feel sorry for you, good luck.

Answer 3

Getting your self an attorney is all you can do to start.