Can lightning damage a TV that's on?

Although it is possible to be struck by lightning while the TV is on, this is highly unlikely. To protect against this potential danger, all TVs are equipped with a so-called surge protector, which ensures that any sudden and large electrical surges (for example, caused by a nearby lightning strike) are diverted away from the device before they can cause damage. It is therefore very rare that a TV set that is switched on is actually damaged by lightning. However, it is still possible; if the surge protector does not work, or if the TV is particularly close to a lightning strike, there is a chance that it could be damaged. To further protect your TV from lightning and other electrical hazards, you should consider investing in a surge protector, which can absorb any sudden spikes in electricity before they reach your device. This will give you peace of mind that your TV will be protected from lightning damage.

It is important to note that even if the TV does not suffer direct damage from a nearby lightning strike, it may still experience electrical disturbances that can distort the picture or sound. Therefore, during a lightning storm, it is always advisable to switch off the TV set and disconnect it from the mains so that it is not discharged by lightning. This will ensure that even if the surge protector does not work and a nearby lightning strike causes electrical disturbances, the TV will not be affected. In short, although lightning can damage a TV when it is switched on, the chances of this happening are very low. To ensure your safety, always unplug your TV during thunderstorms and consider investing in surge protection.