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How to Protect PC in Thunderstorm: The National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) says that there are about 100,000 thunderstorms in the U.S. every year, and that they happen most often in the spring and summer. To put it another way, now.
Canada is also not safe from these storms by a long shot. In fact, my city in Southwestern Ontario has thunderstorms on average about 31 days a year, which makes it the second most active place in Canada. So, I have a UPS to protect my PC, which is something you should also think about.
The second problem is more likely to happen to most people, and it can happen any time of year, not just when there are storms. However, storms tend to make it more likely. During a thunderstorm, lightning can strike electrical utility equipment, winds can blow tree branches into power lines, and heavy rain can cause flooding that damages electrical installations that are underground.
How to Protect PC in Thunderstorm
Removing power sources
- Unplug all cords connecting your computer to the wall before the thunderstorm begins. Both power cords and modem cords need to be removed.
- Unplugging before the thunderstorm is ideal, but it may be the case that you are not near your computer when the storm is coming. Fear not, there are other preventative measures.
Using surge protectors
Use a surge protector. This is not to be confused with a power strip. A surge protector will look like a bulky power strip. When your home receives a power spike, the surge protector takes this spike and pushes it away from the outlets and your computer.
- Remember that even the best surge protectors will not protect against a direct lightning strike.
- For ultimate protection, if you happen to be home, unplug the surge protector in the case of a threatening storm.
- The use of surge arresters can prevent damage through a shunt device that activates in one nanosecond or less.
- When the arrester detects a voltage spike, it instantly reroutes the voltage to the ground and saves the devices from being affected.
- Make sure you’re buying a good surge protector. Look for the following features:
- If you regularly connect your computer to the internet, ensure the surge protector has an internet cable surge protector.
- Look for a surge protector that offers insurance to cover the loss of properly attached equipment.
Assessing storm damage to computing equipment
Consider if damage has already occurred. Even if your computer appears to be working you should still give it a check over in case a strike has left it in a dangerous state that might result in electric shock or fire.
- If any of your telephones or other electronics show signs of damage, it’s wise to assume that your computer took a hit too.
- Unplug the computer and check the outside of the case for signs of smoke or burn marks (especially around the power supply at the back).
- Use your sense of smell. If your computer smells acrid, there may be invisible damage.
- If you suspect damage, bring your computer to a local repair shop to get a professional opinion. You may be able to recover your data.
FAQ
Do I need to unplug PC during thunderstorm?
According to the Department of Homeland Security, you should unplug all of your appliances. This is because lightning striking near a local electric pole can cause a surge of electricity to burst through the power lines.
Can your PC break during a thunderstorm?
Yes, if your home’s electrical system is struck by lightning, it’s going to produce a power surge strong to wipe out your computer, other electronics, and appliances. Even if the lightning strikes near your home rather than directly on it, you can still be hit with a power surge strong enough to do damage.
How can you protect your computer during a thunderstorm?
While surge protectors offer protection for normal surges and nearby lightning strikes, nothing will protect your equipment from a direct lighting hit. During storms, you can add further protection by unplugging your computer power supply and any telephone and/or Internet connection lines.
Should you turn off surge protector during storm?
You do not need to turn off surge protectors or disconnect devices connected to surge protectors. Power strips provide extra outlet space but do not provide any protection against damage caused by power surges.