The Bose F1 Model 812 is a versatile, high-performance loudspeaker featuring an adjustable vertical coverage pattern, providing optimized sound dispersion for various venues. With a powerful 1000-watt amplifier and integrated flexible array, it delivers clear, balanced sound suited for live performances, events, and installations.
But when things go wrong, they tend to happen in batches. In this instance, a heavy thunderstorm struck the roof directly above this set of speakers. No one could have prevented it, and no unit on the market can guarantee a 100% solution (except for unplugging it from the wall and signal side). Both amplifiers had a diode explode in the lower right corner, and both 12” low-end speakers measured as "Open-Line," or in other words, "Blown Very Quickly."
A tip to safeguard your sound system from very high static or direct currents:
The most effective protection involves completely disconnecting your system’s power cables from the building's supply. Unplug or at least switch off the power to the system. While products like SURGE claim to safeguard against such surges, the reality is that the power surge is too immense and instantaneous. No one will guarantee the safety of your R100K sound system after a direct strike on your building's power infrastructure. Although Ellies claims their Plug-strips protect against such surges, in reality, no device can guarantee safety from a direct lightning strike a few meters from your building's power cables.
Additionally, try disconnecting the audio inputs to isolate your sound system electrically from any input.
It's crucial to understand the sheer amount of power coursing through all the lines when lightning strikes a building. Millions of volts travel through the ground, live, and neutral simultaneously. No protection circuit in the world can shield your system from a direct power hit.
Consider this: the specific lightning bolt that caused the Bose F1 system to blow up had to travel around 5,000 meters to hit the roof of this building—dissipating and losing half of its potential power. Despite this, half the power could still traverse the distance between your building's breaker points in the distribution box or the 0.2mm within any given veristar, diode, or capacitor intended to halt it.
Get in touch with us to discuss Lighting Protection Procedures for your sound- or, projection system, (which is practical advice and not an endless list of equipment) – We also do damage assessments on sound, stage lighting and display equipment – such as LED/LCD Screens and Projectors, due to lightning, or any other type of damage. Contact us today – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. – 0027 (0) 82 2254 860.