How can lighting damage your computer?

A bolt of lightning can produce up to 40,000 amperes of current, temperatures as high as 90,000 degrees Fahrenheit and can travel as far as 40 miles! Lightning kills nearly 100 people each year and causes billions of dollars in property damage. Specifically, computers can suffer from electrical shorts and fused mechanical components when affected by lightning, resulting in premature failure (at best) and instant total destruction (at worst).

How can you best prevent lightning damage?

There are several ways to protect your computer equipment against damage caused by lightning. Invest in a good quality surge protector; unplug all cords connected to your computer before thunderstorms begin; determine if your equipment would be best served by an uninterruptable power source; and, of course, always back up any material that is important to you.

What should you do if you think your computer equipment may have sustained lightning damage?

Whether you own a business or a private residence, it is important to insure all of your property in case of damage. If you believe you have sustained damage due to lightning, the insurance company will require a full assessment of that damage. Here is a word to the wise: If any telephones or other electronics show signs of damage, you should assume that your computer may have also been damaged.

If you would like suggestions on which surge protectors are best in today’s market, contact Computer “A” Services. We would be glad to answer any questions you have. If you would like help with backing up your files, we have your back. If you would like help assessing damage and assistance with any necessary repairs, we provide lightning fast service on any type of device (ie: towers, laptops, mobile devices).