Why should you unplug your computer during a thunderstorm?

Question

I remember that there was an episode of Mythbusters where they were trying to see if thunderstorms could severely damage home appliances (like microwaves and computers), and they found that most of them (including the test computer) were not damaged in the testing. So why should I unplug my computer anyway? Thanks, your answers are very much appreciated!

Answer 1

While not likely to be fried, it is still possible. If you value your computer and use it often, it is best to use a surge protector (some people even unplug their's during a thunderstorm as an extra precaution). Remember that the slightest change in power can destroy a computer (it's not likely, but it CAN happen).
If it's really not that much of a burden to replace your computer if it gets fried, then you don't need to worry about it. Most people don't want to take the chance of having to replace their computer though.
For a surge protector, check out different electronics or department stores, such as:
Circuitcity, Best Buy, Walmart, Target, etc...

Answer 2

I have seen an ocassion when my own street suffered a lightning strike and 100 houses lost all their telephones, computers, fridges freezers etc, except a few items. Ilost a telephone system, all the phones, the only surviving kit was a very cheap answering machine (straight accross the line) and the fax. In another case a shop was struck directly to a concrete urn ont the roof, the urn buried parts 2 ft und paving slabs. Everything went. The electric kettle was unplugged at the kettle end, the kettle and plug were about 2 inches apart on a metal table, the wall plug was connected and the switch turned off. The kettle blew along with everything else, including every light bulb.

Answer 3

Unplugging is the safest thing to do, remember to unplug not just power, but modem, cable, satellite and phone lines as well as power surges can travel along these lines too. A good surge protector can protect your machine from MOST electrical surges including *some* lightning strikes, cheaper ones will not. Also don't assume that just because it's plugged into a power strip it's surge protected, a lightning surge can jump the fuse in something like that easily. You should also know that these things are one shot units, the surge will cook your $150 surge protector, but hopefully save your $1500 computer system.

Answer 4

oh my goodness... I donno what mythbusters were doing, i didn't see it, but if you do not have a ups with surge protectors, you should in fact unplug your computer and monitor during thunderstorms.. not only with the surges coming in because of lightning strikes close by cause damage to your equipment, the temporary power outages caused by the same lightning will cause your computer to go off then back on really quickly and may cause disk errors, etc.. be safe, unplug the equipment during lightning storms.
I would even go so far as to say that if you are using a phone modem, unplug it also to prevent any surges burning it up.. I mean the telephone wire... haven't you heard your phone ring during a storm??? thats power!! enough to fry your modem

Answer 5

Yeah as long as you have a good surge protector you should be fine.

But lightning storms can damage phone lines though. So if you have a dial-up connection or a DSL modem connected with a phone line, you prob should disconnect it from the phone jack just to be safe, if you're not using it. This doesn't always happen though, but once in awhile. Happened to me last year, there was a thunderstorm and I remember hearing a loud thunder and it sounded like it hit something, and next thing I notice my DSL wasn't working because my modem got fried. So there's a risk of that, but it's rare though.

Answer 6

Surge Protector and a good one will Work

i Live in the Part of the Us That Get Bad Stroms
i been Surfing the Web in middel of a Thunderstrom
i got all Computer away from any Exterior's Walls
It allways wise to have your Computer Hook to to a good Surge Protector . and Turing if Off is good to .
I Guess unplugging is best way to go To Save it From Being Damaged if your Incoming Power Service Wire take a direct hit From a Bolt of Lighting

Answer 7

Believe me, computer damage can happen from a storm. A power surge can go through the AC lines and strike within your computer. My sister's modem was ruined from not unplugging it. The Mythbusters ARE good, but stuff happens. Don't gamble on it, unplug it.

Answer 8

If you unplug all your appliances while not using them, you save energy. A TV not turned on is still running in stand by waiting for you to press the on button. All that energy is wasted for nothing. Gas prices are getting worse, so save energy. Get compact florescent bulbs and unplug everything. Reduce your electric bill, save the Earth for your children!

Answer 9

Because the lighting can cause power surges that will damage your compter. power surges can enter your computer not only over the power cord but through your internet connection

Answer 10

lightning strikes carry a huge amount of energy, often millions of volts. a direct hit on the power lines close to your home will transmit these destructive voltage spikes into your home's wiring and anything connected to the system may be damaged.