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Forum Discussion
tfox20445
Jun 29, 2026Tutor
lightning protection
I have a AX1800 MK63 mesh router that was "killed" by a recent thunderstorm/lightning. How do I protect my router from this in the future? Is a surge protector on the ac adapter enough or do I n...
StephenB
Jun 29, 2026Guru - Experienced User
tfox20445 wrote:or do I need protection on the ethernet cable from the modem also?
That would be safer. Lightning can create a power surge through the ethernet cable also if you have a coax connection to the modem. Using a surge protector for the modem would also be a good idea (even if it wasn't damaged this time).
tfox20445
Jul 01, 2026Tutor
Wouldn't the surge protect "cover" the router also? Coax to modem and then ethernet to router.
- StephenBJul 01, 2026Guru - Experienced User
tfox20445 wrote:
Wouldn't the surge protect "cover" the router also? Coax to modem and then ethernet to router.
Not sure what you are asking.
The power surge from lightning can enter the house through both the power lines and the coax. And reach the ethernet via the modem. So it is possible for the surge to damage TVs and other electronics that are connected via coax or ethernet, even if those devices are powered from a surge protector.
Some surge protectors provide protection to the coax and ethernet as well as power. For example,
Note this is not a recommendation, just an example I found when googling. But something along these lines would protect both the router and the modem (power, coax, and router WAN port).
Personally I use UPS for my routers, switches and NAS. They often include similar surge protection for coax and ethernet (and have some surge-protected outlets in addition to the ones that receive battery power). Plus they keep my network up through short power outages.