Ok so should i unplug my pc from the wall in lightning storms?

[Ryan7251]

So i have a new pc with some good stuff in it and i live in Indiana so we can get some bad storms right now it's cold but soon the storms will be here and when they do should i unplug my pc when they happen or use this old surge protector i have.

 

[t53186]

If you've had a past history of electrical problems caused by lighting then yes by all means. Usually a surge protector is good enough.

 

[Ryan7251]

If you've had a past history of electrical problems caused by lighting then yes by all means. Usually a surge protector is good enough.

Even a old one like this http://www.ebay.com/itm/Centerex-74162-7-Outlet-Surge-Protector-/291614274035
this is the model i have.

 

[t53186]

Would be good to upgrade that. The thing with lightning is you never know. It you have a direct hit to the power line (which is rare) no surge protector will stop it, a lightning arrestor would. A good surge protector will prevent or limit damage from something like a substation blowing up, car hitting a power pole, etc. If you really want protection then a ups is the way to go.

 

[t53186]

I use these and did have one take a hit and go up in smoke, no damage to the computer.

https://www.amazon.com/Belkin-BE112230-08-12-Outlet-Power-Protector/dp/B000J2EN4S/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1487346545&sr=8-3&keywords=surge+protector

 

[Ralston18]

And remember that lighting/electrical currents will "look" for whatever path they can find.

We had lightning cross a room over a bed (with people in it) from a telephone jack to an outlet.

I unplug my electronics and move the plugs away from the outlets. Do not forget ethernet cables or any other nearby wires.

And, as always, backup all important data.

 

[Newabcd]

It's not a bad idea but there are quite a few things that have to fail before the PC can get damaged.

 

[Karadjgne]

That eBay hunk of junk is not a surge protector in any way. It's really an over current protected power strip that if you draw more than its rated amps, trips. You can tell the difference just by looking at the Belkin, it has surge protection, all of which happens in that big section with no outlets by the cord. That, or Monster, APC or similar will have listings on the box stating the joule ratings and warranty if the unit fails in protection. A UPS does a similar job by charging a DC battery which is then converted to AC for the outlets, the battery will absorb any spikes or surges.

Pulling the plug is always the safest route, if it's not there it can't get hit being the rationale. But unless you are dead center of the storm, suffering brown-outs, TV shutting down etc, then really a good surge protection strip is all you'll need, minimum.