3 Electronic Devices You Must Unplug Immediately During a Lightning Storm to Prevent Fire Hazards
Lightning storms generate electrical surges that can travel long distances over electrical lines, and can cause immediate damage to electronics in the home. While surge protectors can help minimize some damage to your electronics, it is strongly advised to always unplug your expensive electronics during an electrical storm, especially if you are in a storm with actual lightning strikes within close proximity.
Some examples of common electronics and/or entertainment systems and their respective potential damage due to electrical surges include:
1. Televisions and Home Entertainment Systems
All current video/audio electronics (including video game consoles, streaming devices, and audio systems) are electronic devices and may be susceptible to electrical surges, particularly when the electrical due to electrical surges, is very large.
2. Computers and Home Office Equipment
If you do experience an electrical storm, please take the following steps to protect your video/audio electronics:
1. Unplug the video/audio systems from the wall outlet or outlet strip.
2. If possible, also unplug all cable or satellite connections to video/audio systems (use care—many cable/satellite connect to systems that have separate components connected to each).
3. Turn off all other electronic devices connected to your video/audio systems.
3. Large Appliances with Electronic Control Boards
Internal components of computers and other computer-based equipment (Including printers and networking) are highly susceptible to damage from electrical surges. An electrical surge caused by lightning will cause an electrical surge in your computer-based devices which can:
• Destroy your computer’s internal components
• Corrupt data stored on the hard drive; and/or
• Damage your computer’s internet connection device (router/modem)
Electrical appliances have electronic control boards, and are potential targets for electrical surges. Some examples of large appliances with electronic components are:
- Refrigerators
- Washers & dryiers
- Dishwashers
- Microwaves
Final Words
Lightning strikes release an immense amount of energy in the form of surges that can cause serious injuries to electronic equipment as well as pose fire hazards. Among the electronic devices most prone to damage from lightning are televisions, computers, and those appliances that rely on electronic controls to operate. Fortunately, it is easy to protect your home and reduce the chance of sustaining costly damage by simply unplugging these devices before severe thunderstorms occur.
FAQs
Can an electronic device be damaged even if lightning doesn’t directly strike the device?
Yes, but in most cases, a direct strike will generate an electrical surge through the electrical distribution system that can cause damage to your electrical service panel, breaker box, or other electrical components.
Are surge protectors sufficient protection for electronic equipment?
While surge protectors can reduce the chances of damage, unplugging equipment is the best means of protecting the equipment from electrical surges.
Should I remove my router from power before a severe thunderstorm?
Yes. Both routers and modems are susceptible to voltages from electrical spikes.
Can lightning cause damage to appliances?
Yes, most appliances produced today contain internal electronic components which, unless properly protected against electrical surges, are subject to lightning damage.
