I have a 5 slot pbx system with 24 extensions (308E, 400EC, ASC 509 processor) and extensions ports 14, 16 & 17 have stopped working. It was after a monster storm, could be coincidence. I tried a different handset, not the problem. I have restarted the system a couple of times and no luck. Is it possible that these ports just quit working?

If the system programming hasn't been corrupted, I'd replace the processor.

Are the displays not working on those phones? I know you said you restarted the system. I just pull the plug. Sounds like you need a new ACS though. I have seen this a few times from lightning and the wiring isn't even outside the building. One time it took out the ethernet port on a network printer.

-Hal

dexman, how do I find out if the programming has been corrupted? Everything else is still working as expected as far as I know.

hbiss, the phones work just fine on other extensions.

This storm also took out a 24 port network switch. I was afraid that I'd need to replace the unit, they are just so expensive - I was hoping for a magic wand type solution.

That's why I asked you if the displays were working on those phones that don't work. No way can programming cause the display to not work.


Irrelevant.


That's not a good sign.

-Hal

The phones on the extensions in question do not have an lcd display. Only lights next to the buttons, which is why I said they work elsewhere.

Back up to the PC Card
Disconnect from AC power
Remove AAA batteries
Disconnect all extension cables
Grab a display phone
Plug back into power
Test all functions of the display phone on all extension ports.
If any of them do not cause the display to work properly, or don't have audio, or don't dial out, those ports are bad and you should replace the ACS

If all extension ports work properly, re-install the AAA batteries and restore from the PC card
Test the display phone in all extension ports - if any do not function properly, programming is at fault, erase the configuration and reprogram

Reconnect the extension cables one by one, testing after each connection. If one connection causes the system to fail, troubleshoot the wiring run or telephone set connected to it.

Thank you Touch Tone Tommy - I will give this a try.

So you couldn't take a display phone from another location and try it???

-Hal

Yep, sounds like it.

I did finally try the programming suggestion and the ports behaved the same. My only display phone is ext 10 at the reception desk so I had to wait until the weekend. I also waited for the replacement to arrive so I could switch at the same time if necessary. After installing and restoring it everything works again as it should.

I found a place that said they would try to fix that one for $100 and refund if it can't be fixed - worth a try. The tech thought it was strange that just a few ports quit working. All is well again - thanks for the help.

Thanks for your feedback!

Not strange at all. The EMP generated by a nearby lightning strike can get induced into the inside wiring and blow ports. The longer the extension is away from the KSU, the greater the chance of a blown port.

I've cleaned up after a couple of EMP events. Never lost a power supply. Never lost any ports on the KSU (this was a Norstar ICS), either, but all of the phones at the far end of the building were blown. Ethernet ports on almost every computer and most of the ethernet switch ports were blown.

That's exactly my experience also!

-Hal

First thing i usually do is a system reset, does not default any programming and has restored ext's.
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