This particular Yamaha P115 had been nonfunctional since a lightning strike occurred near the owner’s residence. I found the primary issue was damage to the main DM board, which is prominently featured in the accompanying image. Additionally, the volume slider and several buttons exhibited significant damage. While it’s uncertain whether this resulted solely from the lightning strike or if a liquid spill also contributed, the extent of the damage is noteworthy.
Lightning strikes can cause substantial harm to electronic devices through various mechanisms. Nearby lightning strikes induce power surges—sudden spikes in electrical energy—that travel through power lines and into connected devices. These surges can overwhelm and destroy sensitive electronic components, such as those found in musical instruments. Very often the first sign is that the power adapter itself is destroyed.
Therefore, it’s a good idea to protect your keyboard with a surge protector.
Tripp Lite manufactures surge protectors that offer considerable protection and financial insurance. For instance, this device offers $10,000 in coverage in addition to the electrical protection it provides. That’s considerably more than the value of a Yamaha P115.
It’s also advisable to unplug electronic devices during thunderstorms. This mitigates against the risks of a power surge. It’s important to note that while surge protectors can handle minor fluctuations, they may not fully protect against the immense energy of a nearby lightning strike.
In conclusion, the damage observed in this instrument underscores the vulnerability of electronic devices to lightning-induced power surges. Taking proactive measures to protect such equipment is essential to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Also, although this probably wasn’t the problem here… keep your beverages off of your keyboard! Spills remain the #1 source of trouble, even if power surges follow closely.