Problem with Cooper RF Wall Switch

[black00lightning]

I have a Cooper RF9501 wall switch on 3 exterior lights (LEDS) that works locally (workshop) and with the remote switch in the house. We had a thunder storm a few days ago and it tripped a breaker in the house and one in the workshop that contains the exterior lights.

We reset the breaker in the house without any problems however when we reset the breaker contained the RF switch it fried the switch. Any idea why this would happen? It's been working fine for almost a year. Thanks.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Sounds like the lightening messed up some things inside the switch.

Also sounds like the lightning traveled from one structure to the other(assuming detached shop)...u should make sure your grounding electrodes are up to snuff. Also check to make sure u have an egc between panels or a good bond on your neutral bars if u have a 3-wire feeder...

Have u pulled the switch out of the j box?

 

[black00lightning]

I'll check that out. Yes, I replaced the switch with a regular switch until I can get a replacement RF switch. It is a Decorate switch and the surge blew out the front switch panel with a lot of black carbon around it.

 

[cybrdyke]

You might want to consider a surge device at your panel. They're not too expensive and pretty easy to install.
CD

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Thats a good idea as well...