What to do with electrical appliances when a storm is approaching.

Lightning can strike the power grid, causing a sudden surge in voltage and instantly disabling equipment. The simplest way to protect yourself is to unplug devices from the sockets as soon as a storm is approaching.

This is reported by SlashGear.

How to minimize the risk of lightning strikes and protect your home

Unplugging electronics is just the first step. Additional security comes from installing a whole-house surge protector, which is mounted in the electrical panel and absorbs voltage surges. However, such devices can be quite expensive and will not save you if lightning strikes directly on the house.

Another option is a lightning rod. A metal rod 'attracts' the discharge and safely channels it into the ground, protecting wires and sockets. Installation is also costly, but in conjunction with a surge protector, it significantly reduces risks.

If the storm still damages the network, the equipment may smell burnt, sockets may darken, and the devices may stop working or operate incorrectly. In such cases, it is advisable to call an electrician to check the wiring, and gadgets should be taken for service or, if necessary, disposed of according to regulations. Check the warranty and instructions: sometimes the manufacturer offers repairs or replacements.

The likelihood of a direct lightning strike is low, but when it comes to safety, it’s better to be cautious: even with protective systems, it’s advisable to unplug devices from sockets during a storm.

Let’s recall that power filters protect our equipment from voltage spikes and convert one socket into several useful outlets. However, when there are still not enough 'sockets', the temptation to connect one filter to another can lead to overheating, fire, and loss of warranty.

We also wrote that even one charger that remains plugged in consumes a negligible amount of electricity, but when there are several such devices in the house, the costs become noticeable. Besides 'vampire' energy, there are additional risks for the adapters themselves and safety in the home.