Lightning Protection for your Home & Computer
Desktop Computers are frequently damaged by lightning.
Sometimes the owner of the computer is unaware of what has actually occurred.
Lightning enters the home through wires connected to the outside. Phone lines and Electricity lines.
In order to completely “Lightning Proof” ones computer you would need to completely unplug all wires connected to the computer.
There are some other things to consider as well.
If your computer is not working and you don't know why, Has there been a thunderstorm lately?
Surge Protectors are a good idea to have installed , however lots of computers are damaged by lightning every day that were “protected” by a power strip or surge protector. No surge protector would ever protect against a direct lightning strike. Also, there are lots of other things usually connected to a computer. Printers, speakers, modems, cameras , etc. Are all of these items also protected by a surge protector. The powers surge of lightning can find its way in through these wires as well.
The Phone line is a major concern as to how lightning gets into the home and damages computers. Some surge protectors also have a place that you can plug in a phone line then route it to the computer. But, again, this would not stop the sheer power of a direct lightning strike.
Surge protectors are still a good idea though. Nearby lightning strikes can send a power surge through wire for miles so a good power strip/surge protector could prevent some of this from damaging your electronics.
So, when thunderstorms are near and you can hear thunder, The best thing you can do to protect your computer and all of your electronics is to UNPLUG.
Don’t forget to unplug the phone line!
Some companies will actually pay you back for any damaged electronics and equipment that was plugged into their Surge Protectors at the time that the damage occurred.
This Surge Protector comes with a $300,000 Connected Equipment Warranty! And many other come with great warranties as well.
Laptops & Notebooks are not always safe from lightning. Sometimes they are plugged in and charging. If you use dial-up Internet service
you may have the phone line plugged into the computer. They to should be completely unplugger during a thunderstorm.
During Thunderstorm season, you should consider unplugging your
equipment prior to leaving your house for the day or even for a few hours.
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