Is it safe to use the computer in a thunderstorm

Introduction

Undoubtedly, most people look forward to the onset of summer and the arrival of summer days, when you can with great pleasure soak up the sunshine, spend time by the water and on the beach. However, it is also a time of thunderstorms, thunder and lightning. It is during such periods that there are mass failures of computers, the replacement of individual parts from the system unit, as well as Internet modems, which were damaged during inclement weather. We will try to understand whether it is possible to avoid the breakdown of expensive equipment during the disaster.

A bit of theory

As you know, at the time of a thunderstorm between the clouds and the surface of the earth there is a potential difference that can reach a couple of billion volts. When the period of reaching the critical level comes, then the discharge of lightning is obtained.

All kinds of lightning protection systems, the so-called lightning arresters, make it possible to minimize the likelihood of a discharge getting into electrical wiring and equipment. But if this happens, it can lead to a number of troubles: all electrical equipment burns or, at best, its individual parts, a short circuit on the old electrical wiring can occur up to the occurrence of a fire. According to some craftsmen who repair electrical equipment and computers, they often bring devices in which only embers remain from the boards.

There is also the possibility of induced voltage in wires and disconnected old cables. And the possibility of occurrence increases significantly if the length of the cable is large, as well as if the discharge is of very high power.

Since the order with the electrical wiring in old houses is long gone, then it is worthwhile just to be wary of induced discharge during a thunderstorm. Very often, discharges occur and are transmitted via Internet cables, which is also very unsafe. In some houses in which channels for cable laying were designed during the USSR, similar cables were thrown alongside high-voltage ones and later could still be wound on a lightning rod. The most innocent outcome may be the switch-off of the switchboard, the burning of the switch, the network filter, if available, the network card or other equipment. Of course, with a more powerful discharge, the entire computer or laptop can burn out.

Useful tips

In order to avoid electric shock during a computer thunderstorm, the following recommendations should be followed:

  • It is highly desirable to install an external network card on the computer and use it regardless of the presence of the built-in one. If it happens that the discharge hits the computer, only the external card will suffer. If you hit the built-in - it threatens at least the replacement of the motherboard;
  • Today, people are actively protecting their property, so using a filter to protect against lightning on Ethernet channels or telephone channels also gained its popularity. A striking example of such equipment is the RJ45 filter;
  • Installation of an uninterruptible power supply unit with support of smoothing functions and elimination of power surges. Such devices can be useful not only for protection against lightning, but also, in general, in the modern world with the increasing voltage spikes and the “worn” old wiring in residential buildings.
  • If possible, it is advisable to equip your home with real grounding and a voltage stabilizer for all wiring.

Lightning protection scheme of electrical equipment in a private house

  • Work in a thunderstorm is strictly prohibited. All computer hardware (system unit, monitor, modem, etc.) should be de-energized, the Internet network cable should be pulled out of the system unit or router. It is also desirable to turn off and other electrical equipment: refrigerator, washing machine, microwave, TV. It is also important to disconnect the antenna cable from the TV. If the idle computer is left turned on in a 220 V network, and a strong thunderstorm will take place on the street and the lightning discharge will be very powerful - even a computer that is turned off may burn.
  • During long excommunication from the city or even just exits from the apartment for a long time - you need to turn off all electrical devices from the network, as well as remove the Internet cable.

We summarize

Naturally, natural disasters and anomalies have recently become frequent. Therefore, you need to protect yourself and your home as much as possible. Do not neglect the safety and it is highly desirable to turn off all electrical appliances from the outlets. The use of such third-party devices such as an uninterruptible power supply and a power conditioner is also a guarantee of security for the property.