Modems susceptible to lightning

Last week I took my wife's computer to SIRAP in San Gwann, from where we bought the computer. There was a problem with the modem. It transpired that lightening caused the damage. This was caused by excessive electrical voltage transmitted via the connection to the telephone line - most probably due to lightning.

Therefore technically, the replacement of the modem did not fall under "warranty". However Tonio Paris of SIRAP was more than happy to replace the modem with a new one this time. Moreover, for your benefit, he sent me the following message well worth reading:

It might be worthwhile to point out this issue to your readers and advise them to disconnect their modems during severe storms. As you know most of the telephone cables in Malta are exposed and these can carry electrical voltages for quite a long distance. Since the telephone set does not have any sophisticated electronics, it does not normally suffer any damage but any electronic equipment which happens to be linked to such lines will be damaged - often beyond repair. (Tonio Paris)

I hereby take the opportunity to thank Mr Paris.