Monitor restarts when I make an electric arc

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the issue of a laptop screen refreshing when a metal object is brought near an electric arc lighter, likely due to electromagnetic interference. The user experiences flickering on the laptop screen and external monitor when within one foot of the lighter, which contains magnets. Participants emphasize the dangers of using high-voltage devices near computers, highlighting the potential for electromagnetic pulses to disrupt electrical flow and damage hardware. Recommendations include using a surge protector to mitigate risks associated with electrical discharges.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic interference and its effects on electronic devices
  • Familiarity with surge protectors and their importance in electrical safety
  • Knowledge of how electric arcs and discharges can impact nearby electronics
  • Basic awareness of grounding techniques for electronic equipment
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the specifications and benefits of high-quality surge protectors
  • Explore the principles of electromagnetic interference and its impact on electronics
  • Learn about proper grounding techniques for home and office electronics
  • Investigate the effects of electric arcs on various types of display technologies
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for electronics enthusiasts, computer users, and anyone working with high-voltage devices who seeks to understand the risks associated with electromagnetic interference and electrical safety measures.

Crystal Fever
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Why does my laptop's screen refresh every time I bring a metal object (any size) to my electric lighter?
-Happens when I am 1 foot away from the laptop
-1 foot away from the external monitor's wires (HDMI & power)

1. Video footage (MUST WATCH)
NOTE: the laptop screen also flickers a bit
NOTE: just normally turning on the lighter does not interrupt my display devices
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1orjYatHAHFVg_yIMQG18vJpzgfSA6Usy
2. The Elelctric Lighter
NOTE: There are two small magnets besides the arc rods
https://drive.google.com/open?id=12as_RKmej_bN851du07bd70LQDNOMEE4
3. The HDMI cable and port
https://drive.google.com/open?id=11hE-cpJRv6LxdlvA4w6OLYkMMZK4WkL0
4. My external monitor's power and HDMI cables
NOTE: making the arc beside them also refreshes the screen
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1JXXgW0AEe0yPQTQwx9CtWOmRNHaq-qL4

To my knowledge this is creating an electromagnetic pulse and perhaps disrupting some flow of electricity, which causes the graphics card some trouble. Am I right? What more is there to this? How dangerous is it?

Thanks!
 
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It seems obvious to me at least that you don't use high voltage electrical stuff near your computer, that something bad is going to happen. You mention magnets, electric discharge and bringing the phenomena near the display and near the HDMIcables. This suggests a surge protector is needed if you don't want to fry your ports.

It also reminds me of how as kids we'd bring magnets near our old cathode ray tube TVs to see the beam deflect and then get yelled at by our parents for ruining the screen as sometimes there'd be after-effects.

I think its dangerous for your computer if you haven't gotten shocked by your setup already. Anytime, something electrical causes the computer screen to flicker then you know there's a surge going on or a brownout if not a blackout and things like this can cause problems with your computer from loss of data on a hard disk to fried ports or system board depending on how bad the discharge is and whether things are properly grounded.

Try buying a surge protector and see if it prevents the issue.

Remember a changing electric discharge can produce a current in the wires leading to your computer causing a surge that can fry stuff.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_spark

Lastly, sparks can burn people, sparks can cause fires and sparks can fry computer components so be safe and be careful and know where your ER or UC facilities are.

Closing thread as I think we've covered everything.
 
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