Telephone Damage

shanagarry · Post by **shanagarry** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 11:23 am

I have received notification from my Management Company that due to the adverse weather last week many telephones in the Cvo/Lagoa area were cut off for a while.

To make matters worse when the line was restored the telephone would not work and is beyond repair. As I have a phone where I can 'block' its use (for international calls etc) I am being asked to make arrangements to get a similar phone to 'unblock' the settings.

As the phone was provided by PT in June last year to replace a pre-historic model, I am at a loss to understand how the weather could have damaged a new/modern phone to this extent.

Has anybody else experienced this?

Debs G · Post by **Debs G** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 12:06 pm

Lightning can damage any phones old or new. Or anything connected to a phone line. My laptop was damaged recently by lightning in the UK.

It can also damage electrical equipment if it hits the power lines and in some cases it can cause fires as a result.

Its very unfortunate but its the reason storm and lightning damage are included on insurance policies.

Gambrinus · Post by **Gambrinus** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 12:13 pm

The problem during that thunderstorm was that anything plugged in anywhere (phone socket, wall outlet, etc) was at risk of getting fried. Even with the usual safeties in place, some of the lightning was so powerfull, the surge jumped the circuit breakers and damaged the equipment that was still connected.

We lost a total of 6 fax machines, 2 automatic gate controllers and 12 alarm systems. Areas like the Algarve Clube Atlantico, Vale do Milho and Areias dos Moinhos were without phones for the day as the thunderstorms had fried most of the central distributors or even the little boards you have in a box at the entrance of the house.

So the question is, considering that we only have a thunderstorm like this once per decade, is it worth taking the expensive electrical hazzard supplement on your house insurance?

Debs G · Post by **Debs G** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 12:15 pm

You mean there isn't automatic cover for lightning on your insurance? There is in the UK. I think I will have to check my insurance policy (if I can understand a word of it!)

We try to unplug everything when there's lightning around. Didn't manage to get to my laptop in time though. Still it isn't possible to do this when you aren't there.

shanagarry · Post by **shanagarry** » Wed Dec 22, 2004 12:16 pm

Thanks for your prompt responses - the question remains though - how do I get my phoneline unblocked.

When I plug a new phone into the line it is possible that the settings I put into the damaged unit cannot be undone - any suggestions?

Gambrinus · Post by **Gambrinus** » Thu Dec 23, 2004 2:30 pm

That seems a bit strange to me... As I understand, the phone line can only be modified by your provider (for services like ADSL, phone meter, etc) and anything you do at your end is only in effect as long as its the same equipment.
Therefore, the new phone should come free (factory settings) and you would have to program the limitations manually.

shanagarry · Post by **shanagarry** » Sat Dec 25, 2004 7:58 pm

Hi Gambrinus

Are you saying that the phone (hardware) determines the activity?

Meaning - if a client put their mind to it they could buy a cheap phone, connect it to the line in our property and make calls around the globe and I am powerless to prevent it - even though I have entered the blocking code?

That's a worrying prospect - if my question has a 'Yes' answer.

Gambrinus · Post by **Gambrinus** » Mon Dec 27, 2004 9:26 am

Hi Shanagarry,

I am sorry to say, that the standard system is far from failsafe and that that what you have described is a possibility.

In my experience, there are very few people with that amount of criminal energy and the risk of getting arrested in a foreign country significantly outweighs the possible benefits of such actions.

I know three ways to reduce the risk of such things happening:
The first is to simply eliminate the sockets by passing the cable out of the wall through the meter directly into the equipment (this is how the old black disk phones used to be connected). Jacking this system involves quite a bit of work and is far from easy if you are unfamiliar with the equipment.
The second option is to create a small lockable casing for the wall socket and the meter (maybe inside a small lockable cupboard).
The third option is to get cable (Phone/TV/internet) as the providers usually have an online user page where you can consult the usage of telephone and internet services.

I would not worry too much about it though, most of the people who rent a house only want to enjoy a much-deserved holiday and are willing to pay for the services provided.

shanagarry · Post by **shanagarry** » Mon Dec 27, 2004 11:37 am

Hi Gambrinus,

Many thanks again - really useful information.

Fortunately we have never had an incident in 8 years but that we felt, was due to the barring of the phone. I will be buying a new phone when we arrive on Thursday this week and need to decide on the model type as the one that was 'fried' is no longer available - hence my initial question.

I suppose it begs another question - is it necessary to provide a phone for clients - what do others do?

Gambrinus · Post by **Gambrinus** » Mon Dec 27, 2004 3:18 pm

That is a good question indeed - House telephones are rarely used nowadays as most people travel with mobile phones.

The two main reasons for keeping the phones in my opinion are:

1. For it to be available in case of emergency.
2. To be able to contact the maid or client at the villa if necessary.