Surge and/or lightning protection.

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This is a bit off-topic, but leads me to wonder about my audio equipment.
Last November, I installed a radio fence pet containment system (aka invisible fence). It consists of a small radio transmitter in the house, with a loop of wire buried 1-3" deep around the perimeter of my property. This is the antenna. The dog collar contains a receiver which beeps when he gets too close to the antenna.
Two weeks ago, the transmitter failed. I got a new one and the fence worked great again. But on Sunday, there was a thunderstorm. We heard an intermittent beep coming from the basement, which turned out to be the transmitter. It would beep with every flash of lightning, even though the storm was still miles away. I unplugged it just in case, but found out later that it no longer works. The manufacturer is replacing it again under warranty. They told me the alarm beeper is supposed to tell me if there is a break in the antenna loop, and they couldn't explain why it is beeping with the lightning. My original transmitter didn't have this alarm, and I believe a thunderstorm did it in, also.
Anyone know what is the minimum I should do to protect my audio equipment? I have never noticed any damage from lightning, but I can't help but think it is affecting my stereo. I have a surge protector on my computer, and will put one on the audio equipment and radio fence. Is that enough? Is this even a surge problem, or something else?
BTW, the radio transmitter is powered by a 12 V. DC adapter, which was not injured. Also, the company sells a lightning protection kit, which isolates the wire loop from the transmitter and provides a ground. But I don't think this would help. I know I didn't get a direct hit, and the wire loop is buried all the way. The house system is, of course, grounded, but the transmitter has no third wire ground.
Any insight wouild be appreciated.
Ted

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Topic - Surge and/or lightning protection. - Ted in NJ 06:46:31 04/30/02 (2)

Re: Surge and/or lightning protection. - Art J. 19:56:09 04/30/02 (0)

As a side note... - Monolith 07:52:07 04/30/02 (0)

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