-=PCTechTalk=- Re: Weather

Hi, Bob,

I agree with all you say here, but would add that to rely on commonly 
found surge protectors as guard against lightning and therefore not 
unplugging is not a totally sound belief.  As you say, a lightning 
'force field' is virtually unstoppable.  In turn this may cause a surge 
elsewhere as circuits disabled by the strike attempt to restore their 
services. I  have been aware of surges occurring when a car hits a 
powerpole and brings down a power line!

Destruction of computer data and programs is extremely unlikely  when 
plugs are removed, and this includes modem cables connected to phone lines.

For the best 'within safety' protection I have a '40gb pocket HDD' to 
back everything up, and most times this is disconnected from my computer 
and hopefully no passage of mega-volts will pass through it.as there's 
no escape to earth.  I won't try for any additional security under 
present conditions.

I hope you won't regard this as an argument against your statement. I 
just as this for the information of the uninitiated.

All the best

Rick H
Keyboard Cowboy wrote:
> Actually, I'd add to that Rick.  The real purpose for a surge protector is to 
> take a certain amount of spike charge.  It's measured on joules (sp?) vs. 
> time.   
> Some are better than others.  Most work well for normal surges in line 
> activity, 
> whether caused by electrical storms or by problems with the power provided to 
> your home.  Additionally, these surge protectors have a limited life.  After 
> so 
> many charges, they begin to degrade and should be replaced.  When your surge 
> protector is tripped a few times, it might be a good idea to replace it.
> Now a direct, or very near hit from lightning will not, as you said, be 
> protected by a surge protector.  Such a near hit will cause a "force field" 
> of 
> electricity that it can affect the electrical devices --even if not plugged 
> in--.  Obviously an unplugged device is far less likely to be damaged, but it 
> can be damaged.   About seven years ago when I was building my house in 
> Cincinnati I was also building a HAM radio room and did quite a bit of 
> research 
> on lightning.  What I found was that to have a high degree of confidence in 
> protection, I would actually have to build a grid in the walls of the room to 
> "soak up" any electrical charges.  I didn't go that far, but I put a hell of 
> a 
> ground system in the house, and on the tower near by.
>
>    Regards from
>
>  Bob -- the "Keyboard Cowboy",
>
>
>   

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