Is it dangerous to use a laptop outside (unplugged) during a thunderstorm?

Question

Or inside, for that matter!

under a covered area, of course!

Answer 1

No - I don't think there is any danger using a laptop inside or outside during a thunderstorm (your laptop might get a little damp outside though and stop for that reason).

As long as the laptop is not connected to any electrical system, the dangers of electrocution are fairly slim.

You may be worrying about the possibility of lightning striking the power supply lines and creating a spike in your supply - that could theoretically destroy data (but power companies are required by law to have a practicable system of lightning suppressors within the supply chain). I think you are wise to pull the plug on any electrical system during a thunderstorm - just in case.

btw: if your area is liable to ball lightning - it's not a good idea to use your laptop to play pong !~)

[HEY! Where did that covered area bit come from...]

Answer 2

The fact that you are using a unpluged laptop is not an issue there is no imideiate danger using an unpluged laptop.

The real danger is being outside. The safest place during a thunder storm is inside a sturdy structure see the folowing safety links.

LIGHTNING SAFETY LINKS

http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/edu/safety/lightning.html

http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/more.htm

http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/overview.htm

http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/oun/severewx/safety.php

http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/primer/lightning/ltg_faq.shtml

http://newweb.wrh.noaa.gov/hnx/LightningMyths-1.pdf

http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/survivors.htm

http://science.nasa.gov/newhome/headlines/essd18jun99_1.htm

Answer 3

It's dangerous period to be outside during a thunderstorm. If there's metal on the laptop, it could attract the lightning. It seems that a few golfers have been good targets during a storm.

Answer 4

I'm glad you added the covered detail as laptops really hate water more than cats do.

You are no more at risk with a laptop than without one.

Take the usual precautions for thunderstorms.

Answer 5

while you're exterior, particular. while you're interior, i'm uncertain. One time, it substitute into storming and the ability went out various circumstances. there substitute right into a tornado watch. Our unplugged PDA stored on pinging every time the ability went out. If I have been you, i might shop far flung from any shops, and in basic terms use the laptop if necessary. there substitute into one guy or woman above me who pronounced why you will possibly desire to no longer. I ditto them. in my view i think of you will possibly desire to be off now. by hazard, do you ensue to stay in Texas? I heard there have been tornado warnings there.

Answer 6

It is no more dangerous for you than holding a breifcase of something similiar. The laptop is so small as to not likely draw a lighting strike.

Answer 7

nope :)