Don’t risk it: The surprising appliances you should unplug before the next storm hits
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As the skies darken and the distant rumble of thunder rolls closer, there's more at stake than just the outdoor plans of our GrayVine community.
Thunderstorms, with their spectacular lightning and booming thunder, bring not only a natural light show but also a hidden danger to the electronic lifelines within our homes.
It's a time when the cozy confines of our living rooms can become a battleground for our beloved appliances against the raw power of nature.
When a lightning bolt unleashes its fury, it can send a colossal surge of electricity through power lines, capable of frying circuits and rendering your electronic devices useless.
This surge is an instantaneous increase in voltage that is far beyond what our household appliances are designed to handle.
While all plugged-in devices are at risk during a thunderstorm, three culprits top the list of vulnerability:
1. Televisions: Our window to the world, the television, is particularly susceptible, especially if it's connected to an individual antenna. A direct lightning strike can send a surge straight down the antenna, overpowering the TV's defenses in a flash.
2. Desktop Computers: These hubs of personal and professional activity contain intricate circuitry that is no match for a voltage spike. A surge can not only damage the hardware but also lead to the loss of invaluable data.
3. Laptops: Although they have the advantage of a battery, laptops are still at risk when plugged in. The charging cable becomes a conduit for the surge, bypassing the battery and striking at the heart of the computer's delicate components.
The good news is that there are steps we can take to protect our electronic investments:
- Unplug before the storm: As soon as you hear a thunderstorm warning, unplug your TV, desktop, and laptop.
- Invest in surge protectors: These devices act as gatekeepers, absorbing the excess voltage before it can harm your electronics.
- Disconnect antennas and external cables: By removing these connections, you prevent your devices from becoming a direct path for a lightning strike's energy.
- Ensure proper grounding: A well-grounded electrical system is like a good drainage system in a storm—it channels the dangerous energy away safely.
Even with all the precautions, sometimes the forces of nature can overwhelm our defenses.
Source: K8 News / Youtube.
If you suspect that your appliance has been hit by a surge, don't try to turn it on immediately. Have a professional check it out to avoid any potential hazards or further damage.
Also read: Stop! Plugging these 7 things into your power strip could be dangerous!
Have you ever lost a cherished appliance to a thunderstorm? Do you have any additional tips for protecting electronics? Or perhaps you have a story about a close call with Mother Nature's electrical fury? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below!
Thunderstorms, with their spectacular lightning and booming thunder, bring not only a natural light show but also a hidden danger to the electronic lifelines within our homes.
It's a time when the cozy confines of our living rooms can become a battleground for our beloved appliances against the raw power of nature.
When a lightning bolt unleashes its fury, it can send a colossal surge of electricity through power lines, capable of frying circuits and rendering your electronic devices useless.
This surge is an instantaneous increase in voltage that is far beyond what our household appliances are designed to handle.
While all plugged-in devices are at risk during a thunderstorm, three culprits top the list of vulnerability:
1. Televisions: Our window to the world, the television, is particularly susceptible, especially if it's connected to an individual antenna. A direct lightning strike can send a surge straight down the antenna, overpowering the TV's defenses in a flash.
Televisions, desktop computers, and laptops are the most vulnerable to electrical surges during thunderstorms. Image source: Tasos Mansour / Unsplash.
2. Desktop Computers: These hubs of personal and professional activity contain intricate circuitry that is no match for a voltage spike. A surge can not only damage the hardware but also lead to the loss of invaluable data.
3. Laptops: Although they have the advantage of a battery, laptops are still at risk when plugged in. The charging cable becomes a conduit for the surge, bypassing the battery and striking at the heart of the computer's delicate components.
The good news is that there are steps we can take to protect our electronic investments:
- Unplug before the storm: As soon as you hear a thunderstorm warning, unplug your TV, desktop, and laptop.
- Invest in surge protectors: These devices act as gatekeepers, absorbing the excess voltage before it can harm your electronics.
- Disconnect antennas and external cables: By removing these connections, you prevent your devices from becoming a direct path for a lightning strike's energy.
- Ensure proper grounding: A well-grounded electrical system is like a good drainage system in a storm—it channels the dangerous energy away safely.
Even with all the precautions, sometimes the forces of nature can overwhelm our defenses.
Source: K8 News / Youtube.
If you suspect that your appliance has been hit by a surge, don't try to turn it on immediately. Have a professional check it out to avoid any potential hazards or further damage.
Also read: Stop! Plugging these 7 things into your power strip could be dangerous!
Have you ever lost a cherished appliance to a thunderstorm? Do you have any additional tips for protecting electronics? Or perhaps you have a story about a close call with Mother Nature's electrical fury? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below!
