Lightning strikes and computers

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of lightning strikes on electronic devices, specifically focusing on the damage to a computer and its components. Participants explore what parts may be salvageable after such an event and share personal experiences related to lightning damage and surge protection.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the hard drive (HDD) is most likely damaged, while the RAM and processor may still be functional.
  • Another participant notes that all components could potentially be fried due to tight voltage ranges, but acknowledges that some hard drives have survived similar situations.
  • It is proposed that the best approach is to assume the entire computer is damaged and to test each component individually, particularly emphasizing the likelihood of the power supply being affected.
  • A personal account is shared where one participant experienced a lightning strike and lost several devices, but their computer and monitor remained intact, suggesting that the effectiveness of surge protectors may vary.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on which components may be salvageable, indicating that there is no consensus on the extent of damage or the reliability of surge protectors in protecting devices from lightning strikes.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various factors that could influence the outcome of lightning strikes on electronics, such as the type of surge protector used and the specific circumstances of the strike, which remain unresolved.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals dealing with lightning-related damage to electronics, those seeking advice on surge protection, and anyone curious about the resilience of computer components in extreme conditions.

ionlylooklazy
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my grandparents house has a problem of getting hit by lightning, unfortunately this time it fried their computer and TV (even with a surge protector?)


as for the computer, i was wondering what could be salvagable from it,
im assuming the motherboard will be useless, but what about the ram, processor, HD, ect??

or is each computer ruined uniquely?
 
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most likely the HDD. i doubt the ram or processor though.

They need something with a battery back-up in the surge protector. or just unplug the stuff when a storm starts.
 
Since every piece of equipment runs on rather tight voltage ranges, they may all be fried. But might as well check them all out! I don't see why the hard drive would survive... but I also have seen a lot of hard drives survive rather jolting... jolts of electricity
 
There are a lot of factors involved. Best policy is to assume the whole computer is toast (especially for insurance reasons), and test each component out individually.

Virtually guaranteed is the Power Supply being damaged. It may have protected the rest of the system, but that is a fairly rare occurrence. Keep in mind that some damaged components will appear to be working fine, but will cause sporadic problems later on.
 
Dngrsone said:
There are a lot of factors involved. Best policy is to assume the whole computer is toast (especially for insurance reasons), and test each component out individually.


:smile: :smile: :smile:
 
Jeez, you're fast, Pengwuino! :rolleyes:
 
My house was hit by lightning in July and I lost everything except my computer and monitor. I lost my DSL modem and my ethernet card though. I guess it was the difference in surge protectors. I had a newer surge protector on the computer. The problem seems to have come through the phone line.
 

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