Electronic devices are everywhere these days. Whether in the home or office, electronics make it easier to communicate with others and perform tasks. However, they can be damaged by lightning strikes if you do not secure them properly.
Protecting your electronics from lightning strikes is easy if you know what to do. Taking the time to perform the necessary steps will ensure your devices have a long life.
Get a Surge Protector
While homes offer a safe place to shelter during storms, extreme hazards can still pose a risk to you and your belongings. Lightning can travel through the ground and into your power lines, potentially damaging your electronics if they’re plugged in.
Surge protectors are designed to detect voltage spikes and divert the excess energy into the ground for safe dispersal. Getting a surge protector will ensure your devices are safe from harm. They’re also helpful for extending the number of outlets available and preventing accidental fires.
Use Shielded Ethernet Cabling
Ethernet cables that run outdoors are susceptible to damage from equipment, EMI, and lightning strikes. Appropriately protecting your outdoor ethernet cable with a conductive shield will protect it from power surges during foul weather.
A direct lightning strike can melt the internal components of your ethernet cable, severing your internet connection and creating a mess. Learning about protecting your ethernet data cable from lightning strikes will ensure your electronics stay safe, even if it’s storming outside.
Power Devices Down During Storms
The easiest way to protect your electronic devices during a storm is to shut them down and unplug them from the wall. Surge protectors can fail, and not everything can be adequately shielded against high-voltage spikes.
Damaged electronics can threaten you and your home, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. Unfortunately, unplugging everything is not always practical when a storm approaches. If possible, leave essential devices and components unplugged when not in use so it’s more accessible to manage your equipment during a big event.
Plan Ahead To Ensure Your Devices Are Safe
No matter what approach you take, protecting your electronics from lightning strikes takes some effort on your part. You must consider each device and its importance to create a practical solution that fits your needs.
Purchasing specialized equipment and being proactive when storms approach will ensure your devices are safe from harm.
