Zapped appliances

[MushCreek]

We had a bizarre electrical problem, and are now faced with repairing/replacing several appliances. The power company was tunneling, and hit the power main underground. This energized the ground, tripping half of our breakers, and causing general havoc around the neighborhood. The cable junction box at the corner caught on fire! Our range is dead- the surface works, but the display is dead and the oven doesn't work. What I'm most concerned about is the fridge. Although still running, the edges around the door seals are very hot! The freezer seems awfully warm now, too. I'm guessing that the controller for the seal defroster is stuck 'on'? Can it be repaired, or am I shopping for a new fridge? Needless to say, this will all be on the power company's dime, but they are not wanting to pay full replacement value. They will pay for any repairs. I'm worried that simply having things repaired may not be a good idea, since we have no idea what kind of stress may have been placed on these units. Any thought?

[twelvepole]

Appliances are like vehicles. They start depreciating as soon as you pull them from inventory. The power company is not going to replace a used appliance with a new one. They will make repairs.

You won't know what is involved until you have an appliance service person come to your home and assess the repairs. The repair person will be able to diagnose whether problems are control or mechanical issues. Power surges can affect computers, telephone lines and appliances.

Appliances should be plugged into grounded outlets. There are also power strips and surge protectors available. https://www.trusthss.com/trust/press...sp?ref=&userid= A power surge or spike can damage or destroy an appliance’s sensitive electronic circuitry, the same way it can damage the sensitive electronic circuitry inside a computer or DVD player.

[MushCreek]

Sears is coming this week to see if the appliances can be repaired. We have several surge protectors, but only one tripped. Actually, it was burnt. Since 110 comes in in two different legs, I'm guessing only one leg was affected. Oddly enough, the computer and both TV's are OK. We lost a ceiling fan, a garden pond pump, and the above mentioned range (and possibly fridge).