Lighning questions

[goatranch]

I recently was hit by lightning and everything was running through a surge protector except, you guessed, the modem. Argh!!! It fried, the power supply and probably the CPU fried.

My question is I leave my PC on almost 100% of the time. Should I shut it off during storms or on weekends when I will not be working?? Even though it now has two surge protectors with modem going into both??

[lens]

Just having it shut off will NOT protect you against lightning!

Unplugging everything (LAN cable, modem cable, power cable) is the safest route during a storm, but not always most practical. Running all devices thru surge protectors and UPS' is the next best protection.

All the good (not $3 variety) surge protectors and UPS' have insurance coverage for damage when your devices are plugged into them.

[goatranch]

I am running EVERYTHING now through a Philips surge protector AND a UPC battery backup/surge protector. I guess you live and learn...sometimes the hard way.