Poll: Do you unplug your computer during a storm?

[JonnyStarks]

Just wondering what people's opinions are about protecting your computer from surges due to lighting strikes.
I've always been tought to unplug a computer if a storm is coming but I've seen people use them right through a huge storm without any problems... I guess it's just a crap shoot, but I'm curious too see what practises people follow.

 

[LoudTIGER]

no, i have two UPSs and a surge protector

 

[PhoenixOrion]

Nope, and going back again and play doom 3 with storms outside.

i'm relying on backups apc.

 

[bluewall21]

I don't, I am too lazy. And none of my computers have ever died. I use my computer during storms and use my UPS instead.

 

[Demo24]

I turn mine off in case the power dies that wouldnt be to good. Other than that it stays all plugged

 

[KenSr]

I don't unplug mine, but I have three levels of surge protection.

Ken

 

[JBT]

A surge protector isn't going to do anything if a lighting struck a line close you your house... It would just blow it up too.. Even unplugging you arn't protected much if you leave the cord close to the outlet the lighting can jump from the outlet to the plug anyways.

Anyways ... I do have a surge protector but my apt is a crap hole and doesn't have a ground on many of the sockets anyways so its not like it does anything I also always leave it plugged in during storms.

 

[newParadigm]

Nope, i don't unplug mine, i got sum crazy surge protector from Triplite that has almost 400j protection, plus, if my comp explodes the Inurance on the Surge Protector will replace it up to $100,000.

 

[eplebnista]

No, I have a surge bar

 

[rcomo]

I do it when I hear bad lightning or something, even though I use a UPS. Itherwise, 99%, nope.

 

[Pollock]

I frequently use my computer through storms and curse my satellite connection for failing, if that tells you enough.

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Where's the UPS options in the poll?

- M4H

 

[Zim Hosein]

Do you unplug your computer during a storm?

No, I have a UPS & surge protector

 

[tyim]

APC Insurance.

 

[corkyg]

A lot depends on where you live. Tucson, AZ is perhaps the lightning capital of the USA, and I have had my entire security system burned up by a nearby strike. I have a UPS and a couple of surge protectors - but I don't unplug. I do power down and wait it out.

 

[Viper96720]

Originally posted by: corky-g
A lot depends on where you live. Tucson, AZ is perhaps the lightning capital of the USA, and I have had my entire security system burned up by a nearby strike. I have a UPS and a couple of surge protectors - but I don't unplug. I do power down and wait it out.

Don't matter if you turn it off and it's plugged in. No difference so might as well keep using.

 

[Avalon]

I typically use it through storms. Once in a while the power will flicker and my system will reboot, which is annoying, but it's very rare, and my system has never been damaged. The surge protector probably helps somewhat. I'll probably change my ways if something ever gets electricuted.

 

[SilentZero]

Nope

 

[Viper96720]

Depends where the lightning strikes are.

 

[John]

I have my rigs connected to a Cyberpower AVR UPS and they stay on 24/7.

 

[Match]

I don't unplug, but that's because I don't have an expensive computer, and I back up everything periodically. I also don't have anything critical on it. Not unplugging it is gambling, even if you have a surge protector. A surge protector can only handle so much. Some lightning strikes will go right through it and fry whatever is plugged into it. More expensive surge protectors generally have much higher Joule ratings than cheap ones.

Interesting Story: A few weeks ago lightning struck the dock behind my aunt and uncle's house. The lightning traveled the length of the dock through wiring for the outside lighting. It tripped a circuit breaker before continuing a couple hundred feet to the house. At this point it entered the main circuit breaker box, tripped all the breakers, then continued into the living room. It went through a surge protector and fried the tv (which was turned off). A stereo which was plugged into the same outlet as the tv was playing music and was unaffected.

Conclusion: If you care about your computer or data, unplug during electrical storms.

 

[Barnaby W. Füi]

Originally posted by: Avalon
I typically use it through storms. Once in a while the power will flicker and my system will reboot, which is annoying, but it's very rare, and my system has never been damaged. The surge protector probably helps somewhat. I'll probably change my ways if something ever gets electricuted.

Pretty much sums me up exactly.

Except, electrocuted. [/pedant]

 

[earthling30]

I unlpug mine even though they're connected to a surge protector. Too much money invested for a loss and I move the plugs away from the outlets. My house insurance only covers $1000 for pcs, so that sucks, time to find another insurance provider.

 

[3WAYsplit]

Yes, even though its connected to a surge protector.. I already lost a videocard due to power outage during use... I wasnt able to shut my PC down in time, the power went out cause by a lightening strike a few miles away.. Luckily my monitor or HDD's werent damaged just my
video card... Now that I run a dual monitor setup, Im extra careful, and I always unplug if a storms a coming...

 

[bcterps]

I have a UPS with some kind of insane warranty coverage (over 100k), so I'm not worried.