Construction Equipment
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Hi,
My newly purchased house was struck by lightning 3 days after I moved in. The lightning started a fire in the gas fireplace, and this fire propagated to the basement. The electrical system was also damaged. The main electrical panel “blew up” as well as some electrical outlets. In the wall below where the lightning struck, some electrical wires have been cut in two. Other visible damage includes holes done in the roof and walls by firefighters who wanted to ensure fire was not propagating. And, also very present is the smell of smoke.
I’m now dealing with my insurance company and contractor to have the construction repaired, and applicable electrical equipment and appliances replaced. I’m left with many questions and would very much appreciate guidance.
Here are some of my questions:
1. What items in a house will retain the smell of smoke even if they are not burnt? For instance, should I insist that all insulation in the walls be changed? Will rough wood (not varnished) retain the smell of smoke?
2. The embedded ceiling lights in my house do not seem damaged based on a visual inspection. Since no electricity is available in the house at this time, I have no means to validate they are still functional. Assuming they are, are there risks in keeping these equipments? Should I insist that they all be changed to avoid future malfunction of the equipment, or fire hazards?
3. Similarly, all of the equipment below in my house does not show any sign of burning or electrical “explosion”, but I am concerned with how safe they will be once they are put back into operation. I am also afraid they may stop working properly after a while. Would someone please have advice on the risks involved in using these equipment if they have been submitted to a high voltage deflagration? Are there items you recommend be systematically replaced?
a) kitchen fan and bathroom fan
b) electrical heaters (Convect-air type)
c) wall-mounted air conditioning unit
d) speakers embedded in the ceiling
e) various electronic devices to control lighting intensity, ceiling fan speed, etc.
f) home alarm system (electronic control panel, movement sensors and door position sensors)
4. Cables for TV, for telephones, and for speakers, as well as network cables were wired throughout the house. Since most walls are currently still closed, I cannot asses if these wires are burnt. Say they look intact, what should be done? Is it worth testing these wires, and if so, how is the testing to be done? Or since most walls will have to be opened anyways, is it just as well to replace all wires? If a wire still transmits the signal, but has been partially damaged by excessive voltage, what could be the consequences in the long term?
5. Can anyone recommend websites, institutions or others that could provide information?
Again, all answers will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
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