-=PCTechTalk=- Re: Weather
- From: "DH (Rick) Holmes" <hayvan2@xxxxxxxxxx>
- To: pctechtalk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Wed, 01 Mar 2006 15:27:08 +1300
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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