It seems like we’re all just one lightning strike away from losing our most beloved electronic devices. It’s an age-old fear that one good hit will damage your equipment. But is it really true? According to the National Weather Service, yes. Lightning strikes can damage electronic components due to high voltage surges, even when the impact occurs some distance from a building. Additionally, the NWS states that “a typical surge protector will do little to protect the device (or the person using it) in the event of a lightning strike.” Simply put, you should unplug electronic devices before a storm and move away from those that are plugged in.
A surge is a sudden spike in voltage above. For example, a standard American electrical outlet provides 120 volts, and a power surge would exceed this, exceeding 169 volts. Power surges can generate heat, fry critical parts or melt circuit boards, and can also damage internal components. Lightning strikes are not their only source, as power surges can also occur during power outages due to network fluctuations or outages, faulty wiring, or the restarting of high-powered electrical devices.
Most electronic devices cannot handle repeated over time or sudden spikes. In fact, surge protectors, power strips, and even power generators only have a limited capacity. This is why there are several devices that you should never plug into a generator, as they require too much power and can even damage the system. Ideally, you would unplug all electronic devices before a storm to protect them. In reality, you can’t always do this, nor would you want to, so it’s best to unplug the most important devices, like a desktop computer or a power strip connecting your entire entertainment system.
It is not 100% safe indoors during thunderstorms
There are still many myths about lightning circulating, but one of the most insidious myths is that you can’t be struck indoors or that you are 100% safe indoors during a thunderstorm. You’re definitely a lot safer than being out in the open, yes, but it can still happen. According to the CDC, about one-third of lightning injuries occur indoors. Lightning can actually strike up to 15 miles away, so you can be struck without even seeing the storm coming. It also doesn’t necessarily enter a house as one might think. Hit the roof or upper floors and get down somehow. Lightning can enter through wires, metal conduits, pipes, windows, cracks or openings, including windows and doors. Concrete can also sometimes be conductive because it is held in place by a metal repair built into it.
Ultimately, you are safe inside a home or residence with the right precautions. One such precaution is to unplug and stay away from your electronic devices and anything that is conductive during the storm. Of course, unplugging the devices you use is safer for them, too. Power surges or lightning damage also voids a warranty in most cases or is not fully covered. Laptops, smartphones and insurance plans are a good example. But more expensive devices, such as appliances and HVAC systems, may also be affected.
How to better protect electronic devices?
If your home is filled with electronics and gadgets, like mine, it’s neither feasible nor practical to unplug everything before a storm. Oklahoma may be the new lightning capital, but we still face terrible storms here in Florida. The chances of me unplugging everything, every time, on time, are slim to none.
The best way to do this, if you know a storm is approaching, is to unplug your most important appliances, including power strips. For you, this might be a family computer, your main living room setup (like the TV and home theater), appliances you rarely use (like an air fryer), etc. Power strips and surge protectors are always a great idea, but not all are equal. Some power strips have a reset button, and this affects how they work to protect devices. Replace them in case of overvoltage. Keep your small devices charged and have backup power, like a power station, that can provide extra power when you need it.
If you have the budget, you can get a professionally installed whole-house surge protector on your home’s electrical service panel. They introduce various protections to keep everything on your home’s local network safe, but they are also quite expensive, with a high upfront cost. If you calculate the potential savings from a direct lightning strike, it could come true. Before installing one, your home must have proper electrical grounding. Therefore, if your home is old and not up to code, additional expenses and work may be required to get everything ready.