is it dangerous to be on a computer during a thunder storm?

Question

theres a bad thunderstorm like 5 minutes away. is it unsafe to be on my laptop? hahah

Answer 1

Usually, yes. You should stay at least 3 feet away from all electronic appliances, if possible, during an electric storm. The more lightning in the storm, the higher the chance you will be struck. If it's flashing lightning left and right, I would save what I was doing and unplug asap. If the storm didn't produce a lot of lightning, I would still get off the computer unless I was in the middle of something important.

Answer 2

It can be hazardous for the computer, but not for you. A power surge caused by nearby lightning can damage the computer in some cases. Turn it off and unplug it if you want to be safe.



If you are using the laptop with the battery only, without any cords connected for power or Internet, it's okay to use it during a thunderstorm.

Answer 3

Not to you, but it could be to the computer.



it is BEST to turn the computer OFF during a thunderstorm. Turn off the printer, too, and any modem you are using (including cable modems and telephone modems).



In fact, to be even safer, UNPLUG EVERYTHING.



Want to know how far a way a thunderstorm is? When you see the lightning, start counting, "one-thousand one, one thousand two..." at a fairly quick pace (try for one count per second -- practice with a watch first).



Light travels almost instantly, but SOUND travels at about 1/5 of a mile per second. So for every second you count, the storm is about 1/5 the if a mile away. Count to 5, and the storm is 1 mile away. Count two seconds, and the storm is about 2000 FEET away. (1/5 of a mile is about 1000 feet)



ANYTHING closer than 10 miles could damage your computer! Turn it off and unplug it!

Answer 4

In general it is unsafe to be near any device that has a cable coming from the wall, but we have to qualify unsafe. I don't change my behavior during electrical storms because it is rare that a person is hurt. It is possible for lightning to hit your house or near your house and to cause a voltage spike in all of the electrical lines in your house including the telephone, electrical wires, and cable TV. However, it is rare that this happens.



If lightning strikes, it is unlikely that you'd be severely hurt even if you felt the effect from using the telephone or other such device, but if you want to be completely safe, stay away from anything wired into the wall.



To keep your devices such as a computer safe, unplug them. People don't often realize that many premature failures of computers, telephones, TVs, etc result from lightning strikes near their house. It doesn't have to be a direct hit to take out these devices, they can go even if it hits the ground or a tree near your house.

Answer 5

Yes.



http://www.mylot.com/w/discussions/1534029.aspx?p=4

Answer 6

The MIL has an inclination to flick the means on the mains for the time of an electric powered typhoon so which you would be able to not use laptop pcs. My element of the domicile gets very favourite while this happens- i exploit a own computer with a instantaneous modem and that i've got a battery operated television. not in basic terms that yet because of the fact MY kettle is the only range suitable one interior the domicile they ought to play superb with me in the event that they choose for a cuppa!

Answer 7

If it's just thundered then no it is safe to go on the computer but if it's lightning then yes get off the computer and unplug everything

Answer 8

Yes, there's a chance for you to get struck by lightning. Turn off all power. The electricity could go through the power lines to your laptop. It's better to be safe than sorry.

Answer 9

Not dangerous for you, but it could be for your computer. If you have it connected to power or the phone line a surge could fry it. I know people say tat surge protectors fix this, but I have heard of cases where lightning hits have fried the surge protector and still gone into the computer. I would unplug it.

Answer 10

As long as you have surge suppressors on the power line as well as the ethernet line (many surge suppressors have a spot for them) then you should be good.



Many surge suppressors (from APC) have an equipment guarantee that says if your equipment gets damaged, they pay for it.

Answer 11

If you're on wifi, no problem. If it's connected to the phone line then turn it off and disconnect it, the modem too.

Answer 12

YES IT IS U COULD GET HIT BY THE LIGHTNING THROUGH THE POWERLINES TO YOUR LAPTOP

Answer 13

im on my computer right now and its pouring rain, and nothing bad's happening to me

Answer 14

Hmmm, I don't know! Good question though!