Issue 43.11
Each year in the summer or fall I try to write an article about lightning wind storms and other power problems that can affect your computer. This year has been fairly peaceful and only recently have any of my clients been hit by power problems. Two of them called recently to tell me their home or system had been hit by a lightning strike (in one case the lightning actually hit their home.)
A direct hit like that can sometimes jump past your protection and damage computers in spite of what you do. However, chances are that, if you take a few precautions, you will come through the next thunderstorm without incident or damage. Remember though that lightning can travel to your equipment through any wire connected to it such as broadband cable, phone lines, network cables and of course power lines.
The first thing you need to seriously consider is purchasing a UPS (not the truck). It stands for Uninterrupted Power Supply and is actually a battery powered backup power supply. I recommend these units for all your computers and other electronic components such as flat panel TVs, game systems, Blu-Ray, DVD or CD players, etc. A standard surge suppressor is helpful in case of voltage “spikes” because they limit the voltage from exceeding a set amount (usually around 125 volts) thus protecting your equipment from being burned out by high voltage. The good ones will have a equipment guarantee that protects the cost of your equipment if it fails to protect you. That does not however protect your files, pictures, etc. that may be stored on your computer.
A good UPS does all of that plus it protects you when the power drops to low levels (usually under 112 volts) which keeps your equipment running normally even during brown outs and total power outages. Many people do not know that low power situations are almost as likely to damage your computer or your data as are the high voltage problems. Uninterrupted Power Supplies can keep your system running during a complete power outage for 20 minutes or more.
If you ever are a victim of a lightning strike, you should have your equipment checked out even if it seems to be working – or you can wait 2 or 3 weeks. Often damage is latent, meaning that it weakens the components of the computer. If that happens, it will usually show up within the first few days and functions of the computer like the network, sound or printer will just stop working. If that happens, it is likely that damage has been done and needs repair or replacement and it is good to do that before the hard drive fails and takes with it any files that you have not backed up.
The best thing is always to protect yourself and your equipment. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. And always be sure to back up any of your computer information that is important to you – particularly pictures, documents and financial info.
Shaun McCausland has worked in the computer industry for over 30 years, 20 years of it locally with Bits ‘N’ Bytes and Musicomp and currently does in-home and on-site computer consultation, service, training and repair. If you have questions you can reach him at 435-668-7118 or through his website at www.bitsnbytescomputers.com