On the subject of electric fence chargers and lightning, I had two chargers destroyed by lightning in one year a couple years ago.

This section of fence runs along a ridge top. It also seems like the hotter the charger the more it attracts lightning. One of the two though was probably destroyed by a surge coming in along the 120V line.

On suggestions from an experienced electric fence person, I installed this simple lightning "Choke" about 30 ft from the charger on the main inlet line and no  problems since. It costs $8.00 and saves a lot of cost and headaches if installed properly.

On the inlet side, this same person suggested this particular 120v line surge protector which is designed for chargers.

Jim at Dawn