When there is a thunder & lightning storm outside, is it safer to be on a cordless or corded telephone?

Question

I know one time my landline phone was blown out and my phones didn't work beacause of lightning.

Answer 1

It's not safe to be on either one when it is lighting
A few years ago we had a real bad storm, and I was on the phone with my niece, and told her i was getting off, till i stopped lighting (because my grandpa always told me to stay OFF the phones while it was lighting) and no more did i hang up my cordless phone, A huge crash of thunder and lighting came, and i heard a Huge pop next thing i knew i smelt somthing burning, the lighting took out my phone and my computer modem and I had them all plugged into a surge protector

Answer 2

Probably the cordless, assuming you are NOT standing near an open wiondow or door, or out on your porch while all the thunder and lightning is crashing around.

The wired phone, because it is physically connected to wires that at some point are exposed to the weather, can carry a jolt down the line and into you. I've had a big blue spark jump out of the phone and INTO my ear. Oddly, the phone kept working (this is 20 years ago).

But the cordless phone ain't connected to nuthin', so if you are safe inside and not standing in a draft coming directly from outside, there's no way to get hit unless the lightning somehoe miraculously comes through the pet door and then jumps to the phone. That's a long shot.

That said, be aware of the exposure whenever you're on the cordless AND have contact with any metal that goes to the ground -for example, the plumbing, or a light switch. If lightning hits that metal, it could jump (now as a big spark, nit a "bolt") from that, to the phone -to you. Zing, what a feeling.

Answer 3

I think it is dangerous. I was in the same room with my Mom when a fireball came through the phone just as she was hanging it up. I never use the phone during a thunder storm. A cordless phone may be safer but I'd still prefer not to be on the phone with lightning close by.

Answer 4

This is a perfect example of don't do like I do! Do like I say do!
The cordless phone is safer because it is not connected to any lines coming in from outside the house. No using a cordless phone outside or near windows, doors, etc. The antenna makes a good lightning rod.

No using cell phones outside in cars etc when it is lightning. The antennas make a perfect lightning rod.

Answer 5

cordless. the danger of using a phone is if the phone line is struck by lightning the charge can travel down the line to the phone. if you are using it then you get struck. If it is a cordless or cell there is no means for the charge to strike you without travelling through the air, but in that case then you wouldnt even be safe in your house...which is obviously not true. the charge is spread out and dissapated enough by then that it will not be enough voltage to jump through the air from your landline phone base to the cordless phone.

Answer 6

In terms of your physical safety, you are safe using a cordless phone or a cell phone as long as you are otherwise protected from lightning (i.e. indoors, away from windows or electrical appliances, etc.)

However, if you are using the cordless phone near the base, a cellular phone plugged up to charge (in the house, car or otherwise), or on a landline, corded phone, HANG UP IMMEDIATELY, and move away from the phone.

Answer 7

It's actually best to stay off the phone all together. Whether using a landline phone or cordless it is best to stay off the phone because both can run the risk of electricuition.

Answer 8

Its not really safe to be on the phone it doesnt matter if your on a cordless or corded phone its matters where your phone line is and if it gets hit by lighting.

Answer 9

Well on a cordless you can call for help if you are hit but the reception probably is bad

Answer 10

both of them sooo you can diee.