A Reddit user reported that lightning struck their apartment via coaxial cable, damaging the router and PC motherboard. The surge entered through the coaxial cable, traveled to the router, then through Ethernet to the PC. Motherboard damage was concentrated near the Ethernet port, and the router was destroyed.
Improper grounding may have contributed to the severe damage
The incident occurred during a thunderstorm, according to the user. Wall and external cable showed burn marks, and improper grounding may have contributed. Commenters noted that surge protectors often ignore Ethernet lines, leaving PCs vulnerable.
Most people equip their computers with surge-protected power strips or UPS, but ignore that Ethernet cables are also a path for surges. Once lightning enters via coaxial or Ethernet, conventional power-side protection is useless.
The user's experience highlights a common oversight in home network protection. Surge protectors typically only cover power lines, not data lines like Ethernet or coaxial. This leaves connected devices exposed to surges through those paths.
This incident serves as a reminder to consider whole-home surge protection that includes data lines. Ethernet surge protectors are available and can prevent similar damage. Users should also ensure proper grounding of external cables.
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