Thank You! Very well put. I have been explaining this to people for a long
time, but no one will believe me. I have for years, unplugged my computer
with any sign of lightning, even if I don't see any, and I know a storm is
moving in, I will unplug it. Phone cord and all! And another point on it
to is, even if the storms are miles away, you can still get a surge that can
damage the device. It don't take much. I have seen it many times when I
repaired electronics a long time ago. People need to realize that these
devices are very sensitive to electrical problems in the home, including
storms. I usually tell people that a surge protector is just good enough to
get the device shut down, in the even that a sudden storm comes up. They
are also good for the everyday use, to insure that you are protected. Don't
get me wrong. I am not saying that you should not use one on any electrical
device, but you should not rely on it during a storm or any type of an
unsure power situation.

Rick


It should be noted that power surge suppressors are designed to suppress
unsustained power spikes only. They are completely useless at protecting
equipment from direct and indirect lightning hits due to the sheer amount
of
energy that a lightning bolt has. Lightning will exceed the joule rating
of
even the best surge suppressor. The advice to unplug equipment from
electrical
outlets and telephone connections during a lightning storm, as advised by
Mr.
McCullar, is the best way to prevent lightning damage.

- Reinhart