turning my system on during lightning storms

Tonywinsc - your damage of three prong devices suggest that lightning hiting tree/ground near the house creates big voltage differential between earth ground and neutral wires. Switching off equipment would not help since switch is on the hot wire. Recently I looked at power strips in Tiger.com store and the most expensive one not only had the most of Joules but also different split betweens tree lines. It had acually less Joules than cheaper one on the hot wire and much more between ground and neutral.

I have Monster Power Surge Protectors on both the HT system and Stereo system. So they apparently do not protect the earth ground. But Monster Power made good on the damages- no fuss. Other items, such as PC with 3 prong plug took a hit with basic surge protection and our electric blanket (3 prong) but the TV's were ok- two prong plugs.

Tonywins - I have to fine my receipt and save it. There was warranty as well but I did not treat it seriously. Thanks for the info.

I live in a highrise 40 story building.

I am wondering since there is probably a lightning rod on top of the building - that is probably okay. My concern however is cable TV (but that is an underground system) - perhaps that could bring lighting to the system?

Picking this thread up late, but still very relevant discussion. I thought my "high quality" AC line surge protector would do the job, but I'm glad I read the posts. Emailists is right about cable TV lines. My area is served by Comcast and I'm pretty sure the cable is above ground. I guess the problem is that a lightning strike could work its way through the cable, into my TV, and then into my preamp, into the amp to ground!! Yikes, the best line surge protector in the world won't help me in the event that scenario occurred.

Aren't there surge protectors out there that can also protect above ground cable TV inputs? And BTW, if a lightning strike came in through cable, a PurePower AC regenerator will not help!!

If I understand the science correctly, then the best advice is to disconnect the AC mains and TV cable, if the latter is from an above ground network. Does the forum concur?