Is it possible to turn off the computer during a thunderstorm? Is it necessary to turn off the computer during a thunderstorm, and why is a thunderstorm so dangerous for electrical devices?

Undoubtedly, most people are looking forward to the onset of summer and the arrival of summer days, when they can soak up the sun with great pleasure, spend time by the pond and on the beach. However, this is also a time of thunderstorms, thunder and lightning. It is during such periods that mass failures of computers are observed, replacement of individual parts from system unit, as well as Internet modems that were damaged during inclement weather weather phenomena. Let's try to understand whether it is possible to avoid the breakdown of expensive equipment during a disaster.

A little theory

As you know, during a thunderstorm, a potential difference arises between the clouds and the surface of the earth, which can reach a couple of billion volts. When the period of reaching a critical point comes, then a lightning discharge occurs.

All kinds of lightning protection systems, so-called lightning rods, allow you to minimize the likelihood of a discharge entering electrical wiring and equipment. But if this does happen, it can lead to a number of troubles: all electrical equipment burns out or best case scenario its individual parts may occur short circuit on old electrical wiring until a fire occurs. According to some craftsmen who repair electrical equipment and computers, they often receive devices in which only coals remain from the circuit boards.

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

Since the electrical wiring in old houses has not been in order for a long time, you should be wary of an 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 laying cables were designed during the Soviet era, such cables are laid next to high-voltage ones and can subsequently be wound onto a lightning rod. The most harmless outcome may be turning off the shield, burning out the switch, network filter, if any, network card or other equipment. Of course, with a more powerful discharge, the entire computer or laptop may burn out.

To avoid electric shock during a computer thunderstorm, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

• It is highly advisable to install an external network card on your computer and use it regardless of the presence of a built-in one. If it happens that the discharge hits the computer, only the external card. If you hit the built-in one, this will result in at least a replacement of the motherboard;
• Today, people actively protect their property, so the use of a lightning protection filter on Ethernet or telephone channels has also gained popularity. A striking example of such equipment is the RJ45 filter;
• Installation of the block uninterruptible power supply with support for smoothing and eliminating voltage surges. Similar devices can be useful not only for lightning protection, but also, in general, in modern world with increasing power surges and “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 diagram for electrical equipment in a private house

• Working during a thunderstorm is strictly prohibited. All computer equipment (system unit, monitor, modem, etc.) should be de-energized, and the Internet network cable should be unplugged from the system unit or router. It is also advisable to turn off other electrical equipment: refrigerator, washing machine, microwave oven, TV. It is also important to disconnect the antenna cable from the TV. If a non-working computer is left connected to a 220 V network, and there is a strong thunderstorm outside and the lightning strike is very powerful, even the switched-off computer may burn out.
• During long absences from the city or even just leaving the apartment for a long time, you need to turn off all electrical devices from the network, and also remove the Internet cable.

Let's summarize

Naturally, natural disasters and anomalies with Lately have become frequent. Therefore, you need to protect yourself and your home as much as possible. You should not neglect safety and it is highly advisable to turn off everything electrical devices from sockets. Use of such third-party devices, as an uninterruptible power supply and network stabilizer, is also a guarantor of safety for property.

The time of summer thunderstorms has come and computer stores are experiencing a rush demand for network cards, service centers overwhelmed broken computers, laptops and network equipment, and in the call centers of Internet providers they promise to send a technician, but not earlier than in one or two weeks. A familiar situation, isn't it? In this article I will talk about the reasons for this situation and methods to minimize losses from power surges during bad weather.

During a thunderstorm, a potential difference of up to several billion volts arises between the cloud and the ground, and when a critical value is reached, a lightning discharge occurs. Existing systems lightning protection greatly reduces the likelihood direct lightning strike into the electrical wiring, but it still exists! In this case, all electrical equipment within the range of this discharge burns out. For example, a laptop was brought to our workshop, when opened, it was discovered that only coals remained from the microcircuits, and the solder had flowed down in drops to the bottom of the laptop.

More likely to occur in the wires induced voltage. And this probability is higher, the more powerful the discharge and the longer the length of the wire on which it affects. And given the existing chaos in our housing and communal services, this is not a problem at all. As a result of interference, an electrical impulse of many thousands of volts appears, lasting from units to thousands of microseconds and spreading over several kilometers.

The current chaos in the organization of supplying us with electricity and the Internet contributes to the occurrence of powerful induced discharges during a thunderstorm

Most often, the discharge occurs and is transmitted over Internet networks since they were not designed in any way during the construction of residential microdistricts and are laid any way and anywhere, therefore they are most vulnerable (there are cases when the Internet cable is wrapped around a lightning rod (!!!)). In the easiest case, network cards, routers, switches, etc. burn network hardware. In the most severe cases, when the charge is powerful enough, the entire computer burns out, including the hard drive and monitor.

Tips to prevent damage to your computer during a thunderstorm

1. Install an external network card in your computer and use it despite the presence of an integrated one. If a discharge hits an external network card, it is often limited only by the loss of the network card itself; if a discharge hits an integrated card, it threatens to damage the entire motherboard.

2. Install a lightning protection filter for Ethernet lines, or telephone line(if you receive Internet via DSL technology).

Lightning protection filter for RJ45 Ethernet lines

3. Install an uninterruptible power supply with voltage surge smoothing function. This advice will be useful for all users personal computers, since the voltage in our power grids is already far from ideal.

4. If possible, equip your home (apartment) with common voltage stabilizer and grounding(not the battery, but the real thing!).

5. Do not work at the computer in a thunderstorm! Necessary turn off computer and monitor from the socket, disconnect the internet cable from network card, router, switch. Also unplug other electrical equipment from the outlets: refrigerators, televisions, washing machines, microwaves, etc. since the above recommendations will only help in case of small voltage surges (up to several thousand volts). In the case of large and fast jumps, the automation usually does not work and the discharge burns everything in its path. Even computers that are turned off, but connected to the power supply, burn.

6. When you leave, and especially when you leave home for a long time - turn everything off electrical equipment from the sockets and remove the Internet cable from the sockets.

Well, it's beautiful! And someone lost their Internet because of this beauty (their computer burned down)…

When asked whether to turn it off during a thunderstorm, many people answer positively, because our parents often said that when there was bad weather outside, it was worth turning off all electrical appliances. But, still, let's find out how experts comment on such a question, and what facts they use when discussing such a topic.

Is it necessary to turn off your computer during a thunderstorm?

In order to understand whether you need to turn off your computer during a thunderstorm, you will have to talk a little about what constitutes electrical network. Let's not get too deep into the engineering, just remember that a lightning strike can actually cause a power surge that can cause some damage. However, modern electrical systems have various protection, for example, the familiar machines that interrupt the flow of current through the circuit when this very jump occurs. It would seem that the presence of security elements in the network design already gives reason to give a negative answer to the question of whether it is worth turning off the computer during a thunderstorm, but not everything is so simple.

The main problem of any protection system is that it may simply not have time to react to a surge and will allow current to pass through the circuit; whether this will happen depends on many factors, so no one can accurately predict the likelihood of such an outcome. Based on this fact, experts, discussing whether a computer can burn out during a thunderstorm, give a positive answer, however, they always mention that such a nuisance will only occur if the circuit breakers fail to operate. By the way, even if the device does not work, but its wire plug is plugged into the socket, if a power surge occurs and the machines pass it through, it will also burn out, so if you do not want to take risks, it is worthwhile to disconnect all equipment from the network at the first sign of bad weather, and not just turn it off.

Another argument from experts on the topic of why you need to turn off your computer during a thunderstorm is quite difficult to understand for someone who, in principle, does not know physics well. The fact is that during bad weather, an electromagnetic field is formed, which can affect not only electrical wires, but also Internet cables, disrupting their operation. In this case, the effect will be almost the same as during a power surge, that is, the equipment may simply burn out; it is for this reason that it is not recommended to use local networks and cable type modems.

It was already said above that it is impossible to accurately calculate the probability of whether an accident will occur and whether the circuit breakers will miss a power surge, but it is quite possible to refer to statistics on this issue. According to statistics, protection systems, of course, we're talking about only about modern instruments and devices, rarely skip jumps, that is, in 9 cases out of 10 they will fulfill their purpose. Therefore, if you really need to use your computer during bad weather, according to statistics, it is quite possible not to turn it off. Whether or not to believe this data is up to everyone to decide for themselves, but most people still do not turn off their appliances during a thunderstorm, without experiencing any negative consequences from making such a decision.

If you want to completely protect yourself and your property, and do not like to take risks, then it is better to disconnect your computer from the network, and, if possible, use. After all, as you know, once a year a stick can shoot, and it is not clear whether this will happen now or never happen.

The question of whether to turn off your computer during a thunderstorm arises quite often during summer thunderstorms. Users' opinions vary greatly, as some believe that a power surge can cause the computer to burn out. On the other side, modern technologies guarantee the safety of equipment even in such weather. It is quite easy to understand whether you can use your computer during a thunderstorm.

Why is it common for people to turn off equipment during a thunderstorm?

Those who grew up with their grandparents are well aware of the situation when, at the first sounds of a thunderstorm, all equipment was turned off and the plug of the device was removed from the socket. And this was completely justified, since devices of previous years did not have any protection against thunderstorms and resulting power surges. This is what could lead to the burnout of household appliances.

But can a computer burn out from a thunderstorm? controversial issue. After all, the technology of the present time has good protection in case of voltage surges. However, the question of whether you should turn off your computer during a thunderstorm can hardly be answered in the negative.

Reasons for this situation

When a thunderstorm begins, a potential difference of several billion volts appears between the clouds and the surface of the earth. When the value reaches its peak, a discharge occurs. Available lightning protection systems reduce the chance of a direct lightning strike on electrical wiring, but do not eliminate it. If such a situation occurs, all electrical appliances within reach will burn out.

In what cases is there a high chance of equipment burning out?

Often the cause of such an incident is induced voltage. And the longer the wire and the discharge power, the higher the likelihood of such a situation. When triggered, an electrical impulse of thousands of volts occurs, lasting from units to thousands of microseconds. The distribution reaches several kilometers.

Which networks are at risk?

Often similar situations are typical for Internet networks in residential areas, since they are often not designed in any way and can be laid anywhere. Therefore, they are more vulnerable (there are cases of laying Internet cables around a lightning rod). At best, network cards, routers, switches and other network devices will suffer. In case of extreme powerful charge The entire computer with hard drive and monitor may burn out.

• Install an external network card on your computer. It should be used even despite the presence of an integrated element. When a discharge hits external device the matter is often limited only to the loss of the network card itself. If it hits an integrated device, there is a risk of failure of the entire motherboard.
• Install a lightning protection filter. This is required for internet and telephone lines.
• Install an uninterruptible power supply unit with a function to smooth out incoming voltage surges. This will be useful for users of personal computers, since the voltage in the electrical network can jump during normal times.
• Equip your home with a voltage stabilizer and grounding.
• Turn off your device during thunderstorms. Disconnect the computer and monitor from the network, remove the Internet cable from the network card, switch or router. Then turn off other electrical appliances such as televisions, washing machines, microwaves and other things. Such actions will help with small voltage surges.
• In case of strong and rapid power surges, the automation may not work. The discharge will burn all devices connected to the power supply.
• Turn off existing electrical appliances when you are away from home for a long time. This should be done for those who leave home for weeks or more.

What should laptop users do?

In the case of laptops, the situation is much simpler. Simply unplug the device from the outlet and continue working quietly (if the battery charge allows). However, if the device is connected to local network or a cable modem, then the consequences will be the same as if a lightning strikes a transformer, and whether it is necessary to turn off the computer during a thunderstorm, in this case it is quite clear.

Where is the likelihood of a computer burning higher?

This topic is especially relevant for residents of old apartment buildings, since many of them do not have a protective grounding loop, which must be provided for in the design. It is often destroyed during roof repairs.

In the case of modern multi-apartment dwellings, there is a chance of equipment failure due to lightning, but it is not as great as in the previous example.

In the case of a private house, especially one powered by a pole, the chance of a breakdown is close to 100%. A large impulse is induced on the open wiring, while special protective devices from impulsive overvoltages are absent. Good network filters and UPSs are equipped with them. In this case, the more protective stages, the better, although even in this case you need to turn off the computer during a thunderstorm.

Connecting to the Internet poses a particular risk. It is usually performed through a cable with copper conductors, which are easy to pulse. To reduce loss during thunderstorms, you should also turn off network wire from the network computer card. In the case of a laptop, this is necessary, since repairs will be very expensive, and the answer to the question of whether you need to turn off your computer during a thunderstorm is obvious. The best solution will be the purchase of a Wi-FI router due to the convenience and cheap replacement if it burns out during a thunderstorm.

The reasons listed above why a device may burn out during a thunderstorm make it clear whether you can use your computer during a thunderstorm. At the same time, the problem of combustion is relevant specifically for computers, and not laptops, which you can work with while disconnected from the power supply.

Should you turn off your computer during a thunderstorm? Every user has asked this question at least once. After all, it happens that you need to urgently finish the work or it’s loading important information, and you heard thunder. What to do in such a situation - leave the computer on at your own peril and risk, or still play it safe and turn it off?

How dangerous is a thunderstorm for equipment?

Nothing will happen to the computer until lightning strikes the transformer box, which creates an unfavorable situation for home appliances. You should be concerned if the cable is made of copper, because it may trip if struck by lightning. secondary winding, causing the lightning to reach the computer. Even the most powerful and modern technology, which is why it is recommended to disconnect everything from the power supply, and not rely on the fact that lightning will bypass the booth.

Did the electricians really not provide any protection for this case? Of course, special voltage switches are installed in transformer booths, but often in the event of an impact they do not have time to fully protect the entire network, and then nothing can guarantee the safety of your equipment. Those who have voltage stabilizers instead are a little lucky, because when a transformer is struck by lightning, they reduce the voltage. But if lightning hits the network directly, then they will not help the technology.

It also happens that a person is not at home when a thunderstorm begins and cannot turn off the equipment, or they need to finish work urgently, and therefore it is also undesirable to turn off the computer. What to do in this case?

1. Carefully inspect all devices for problems. Even if the computer is in working condition, but the charge was quite serious, you need to check it to avoid various unforeseen situations.
2. Turn off the PC and inspect the case for smoke or other signs of combustion. Particular care should be taken to check the area near the power supply at the back of the case.
3. If your computer is damaged, seek help from a specialist who can help you recover possible data loss.

But despite all possible protective measures, all experts agree: you cannot work on a PC during a thunderstorm! If the project is so important, it is better to take an old laptop with access to Wi-Fi to protect not only the computer, but also yourself, since the laptop can work without connecting to the network on a charged battery.

Many people believe that if they simply turn off the PC and leave it connected to the network, then nothing will happen to it. This is not so - if there are large and fast jumps, then no automatic protection will not help, and the discharge with all its great strength will reach the device. In this case, even a switched off computer can be damaged.

During a thunderstorm, never touch the wires or equipment that is connected to them, even to turn them off. Because it also happens that people got electrocuted when they tried to turn off the devices. It’s better to let the discharge fall on equipment than on people!

If you are away for a long time during thunderstorms, turn off all equipment, even if you have surge protection. After all, it is not known whether lightning will strike a transformer box and whether the protection system will work? And even if you are at home and realize that a thunderstorm is starting, it is better to be safe and turn everything off. Then you will have peace of mind about your equipment, housing and health, because the thunderstorm will not last long, you can be without a PC for some time. After all the information, you should no longer have a question about whether you need to turn off your computer during a thunderstorm.