I have a computer, and I always got nervous if there are thunderstorms and lightning going on. Will my computer be damaged? what are the safety measures for these? any suggestions, guys?
2007-10-20 04:22:30 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
There are two separate problems.
First is the huge currents in a lightening strike which can cause power surges and blow the computer.
Secondly lightening can cause huge elctro magnetic fluxes which can scramble chips and any recording media such as hard discs, data sticks etc.
Whilst the chances of lightening striking is relatively low it is much better to be safe and switch off until the storm has past!
2007-10-20 06:14:39 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe it is only able to harm your computer when there is lightning but I shut down just for safety sake even when there is thunder because of the electricity in the air at the time. Someone I knew had lightning strike and wipe out the TV, computer and some other appliance. I don't know of any other way you can protect your computer though safety shut off switches are good in some cases but not with computers. If a surge goes through it shuts down all power but its not good to have a computer suddenly switching off power without first shutting it down from the computer.
2007-10-20 11:28:49 · answer #2 · answered by Deb 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lightening hit the road in front of my house and it blew out my modem. I would worry more about the phone line hooked to the computer than the plug. Get a good surge protector (Best Buys) that comes with a warranty. This will cost around $50.
2007-10-20 11:27:22 · answer #3 · answered by corryglory 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A power surge could fry your computer to death, even if you have a surge protector. If you see lightning and hear thunder, shutdown.
2007-10-20 11:25:04 · answer #4 · answered by Lady Geologist 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
DANGER TO THE COMPUTER AND REMOTELY DANGEROUS TO SOMEONE OPERATING IT. THE 50,000,000OR MORE VOLTS THAT ARE IN A LIGHTENING BOLT ARE ENOUGH TO CAUSE A POWER SURGE THAT WOULD FRY ALL THE COMPONENTS IN YOUR COMPUTER AND YOU TOO IF YOU'RE CLOSE.
2007-10-20 12:55:08 · answer #5 · answered by Loren S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lightening blew out my modem through the TELEPHONE LINE! You hear thunder, unplug from all sources: electric, cable, telephone.
2007-10-20 14:29:32 · answer #6 · answered by papastolte 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it can be dangerous, if the right conditions exist.
2007-10-20 11:25:54 · answer #7 · answered by WC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋