If your TV stopped working after a storm, lightning strike, or sudden power outage, you are dealing with one of the most common causes of TV failure. Power surges can instantly damage internal components, leaving a television completely unresponsive or partially functional. While this can sound serious, surge-related TV damage is often limited to one or two circuit boards and can frequently be repaired without replacing the entire TV. At TVpartsToday, we help DIYers identify exactly which components are affected so repairs stay practical and cost effective.
If you prefer a visual walkthrough, our YouTube video below includes a detailed video covering power surge and lightning-related TV damage:
How Power Surges Damage Televisions
Power surges affect TVs in more than one way, and understanding how the surge entered the set is key to accurate troubleshooting. The most direct path is through the power cord itself. When a TV is plugged directly into a wall outlet, a sudden voltage spike can overwhelm the power supply board, preventing it from converting power safely for the rest of the TV. Even when a surge protector is in use, extremely strong surges can still overwhelm protection circuits.
A second and often overlooked path is through connected devices. Cable boxes, streaming devices, game consoles, and sound systems can act as entry points for surges if they are not equally protected. In these cases, voltage can travel through HDMI, USB, or COAX cables and damage the main board, input ports, or signal processing circuitry. This is why some surge-damaged TVs show visible port damage even though the power board appears intact.
In more severe cases, a surge may affect multiple components at once. Both the power supply board and main board can be compromised, which is why a methodical process of elimination is essential when diagnosing storm-related failures. In these instances, it may be necessary to purchase a Parts Kit in order to have all of the circuit boards on hand for the repair process!
Initial Troubleshooting Before Opening the TV
Before removing the back cover, start with basic checks that can quickly narrow down the failure. If the TV shows no signs of life at all, including no standby light, the power supply board becomes the primary suspect. If a standby light is present but the TV will not respond to the remote or power button, attention should shift toward the main board.
A full power reset is always worth performing after a surge. Unplug the TV from the wall, press and hold the physical power button on the TV for at least sixty seconds, then leave it unplugged for several minutes. This helps discharge residual voltage and clear temporary faults that can occur after unstable power events.
Visible signs of damage are also important clues. Scorch marks, melted connectors, or blackened HDMI or COAX ports are strong indicators that surge energy entered through connected devices rather than the power cord.
Inspecting the Power Supply and Main Board for Surge Damage
Once basic checks are complete, internal inspection can provide definitive answers. The power supply board should be examined for bulging or leaking capacitors, burn marks, cracked solder joints, or discoloration near high-voltage areas. These are classic signs of surge failure and usually mean the board needs replacement.
The main board should be inspected around HDMI ports, USB connections, audio jacks, and COAX inputs. Surge damage often leaves subtle but visible evidence around these connectors. In some cases, damage is limited to one input, while in others the entire board is affected and prevents the TV from starting.
At TVpartsToday, we often see surge-related repairs resolved by replacing the affected board once proper diagnosis is completed, rather than replacing multiple parts unnecessarily.
(Power supply with burnt capacitor shown above as example of damage possible from a surge)
Replacing a Surge-Damaged Circuit Board
Replacing a damaged board is one of the more approachable DIY TV repairs when done carefully. The TV should always be unplugged, and residual power discharged before removing the back panel. Once inside, identify the failed board, disconnect its cables, remove the mounting screws, and install the replacement board using the same connections and hardware.
After reassembly, test the TV before fully securing the back panel. In many cases, restoring power or signal functionality confirms the repair immediately.
Preventing Power Surge Damage in the Future
Preventing future surge damage is just as important as repairing the current failure. Every device connected to the TV should be protected, not just the television itself. This includes cable boxes, streaming devices, sound systems, and any COAX or Ethernet connections. Surge protectors degrade over time, so replacing them periodically is essential to maintaining protection.
During severe storms, unplugging the TV and all connected cables remains the most effective way to prevent damage, especially in areas prone to lightning activity or unstable power grids.
A TV that stops working after a storm or power surge is not automatically beyond repair. In many cases, the damage is isolated to the power supply board or main board, both of which are realistic DIY replacements when diagnosed correctly. By understanding how surges enter a TV and inspecting the right components in the right order, you can avoid unnecessary part replacements and restore your TV safely and affordably. TVpartsToday is here to support that process with reliable parts, clear compatibility guidance, and repair-focused education.
Need Help?
If you’re still unsure about the issue or need to replace a part, reach out to TVpartsToday. We can help you identify the exact cause of the problem and provide the right replacement part!
Would you rather watch a video? Check out our helpful Troubleshooting 101 playlist over on YouTube!
Would you rather chat with a seasoned repair expert? Head on over to our TVRepairHelp subReddit!
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