07-08-2011, 03:02 AM
12
Re: Do you turn off ?
Nero is absolutely spot on there. There is no reason to switch off electricity just because of a storm in this country.If there is lightning, it will strike the tallest object in your area, such as a church steeple, but the chances of it striking your home are 1000s to one against.
I know in Canada the electricity can be affected very badly by lightning, because it can "spike" which can lead to a power failure and cause serious problems, and my friend over there hides in her basement as well.
I love thunder and lightning and, on the odd occasion that we get it here, I will stand outside to watch it.
I switch nothing off whatsoever.
07-08-2011, 09:29 AM
13
Re: Do you turn off ?
Originally Posted by nero
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Modern surge protectors will do the job in your home . . . however, if lightning stikes directly on your home no amount of protection will stop massive damage . . . in built-up areas like towns, the chances of it earthing through your house are remote, there are other structures providing an easier path to earth like power pylons and tall buildings . . . if, on the other hand, you live in a tower block on the top floor . . . 
I've also seen the results of a lightening strike in a computer room - three servers partially melted / fused and 14 PCs connected all blown out through the power supplies. This happened three times in one year at the same office block and they had top-notch anti-surge protection too!! stevmk2
07-08-2011, 09:49 AM
14
Re: Do you turn off ?
I too detest t'storms and won't be outside in one or watch one. Yes I too unplug phones and television if lightning is very close and even unplug the television aerial cable too in case lightning strikes the television aerial on the roof and travels down the cable. As a child I saw people struck and killed by lightning, so I have a VERY healthy respect for storms and stay out of their way as much as possible.
07-08-2011, 10:19 AM
16
Re: Do you turn off ?
Originally Posted by Roxy
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I don't mind thunder storms but I was hoofing along the cliff tops one day and caught sight of a flash way out to sea. It turned into quite a storm off shore and was amazing to watch....while I sat on a rock nice and dry lol.
I saw a sensational storm in the distance down towards Sardinia and it lit up the sky from horizon to horizon. After ten minutes a small pod of dolphins appeared on the surface - and it seemed to me that they were watching too. It was 2 o'clock in the morning and I could see them as clear as day!!! stevmk2
07-08-2011, 10:28 AM
17
Re: Do you turn off ?
Originally Posted by stevmk2
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We've had two powered telephones destroyed by lightening going straight through our partially-glass front door. Both times they went with a bang and destroyed the socket AND blew the fuse!I've also seen the results of a lightening strike in a computer room - three servers partially melted / fused and 14 PCs connected all blown out through the power supplies. This happened three times in one year at the same office block and they had top-notch anti-surge protection too!! stevmk2
Originally Posted by nero
->
Modern surge protectors will do the job in your home . . . however, if lightning stikes directly on your home no amount of protection will stop massive damage . . . in built-up areas like towns, the chances of it earthing through your house are remote, there are other structures providing an easier path to earth like power pylons and tall buildings . . . if, on the other hand, you live in a tower block on the top floor . . .
I lost a TV and PC a few years ago and another time watched in horror as a large oak tree in the field next to my house took a lightening hit, split in two and went up in flames My neighbour in a previous house lost two TVs and my brother was knocked unconscious by lightening in his garden so I do have a healthy respect for storms and as a precaution turn off the PC and TV at the mains.
I was discussing this with an electrician who was working in my house and he had been to one house where the lightening had struck and blown out every plug in the house.
07-08-2011, 11:24 AM
19
Re: Do you turn off ?
Originally Posted by nero
->
Modern surge protectors will do the job in your home . . . however, if lightning stikes directly on your home no amount of protection will stop massive damage . . . in built-up areas like towns, the chances of it earthing through your house are remote, there are other structures providing an easier path to earth like power pylons and tall buildings . . . if, on the other hand, you live in a tower block on the top floor . . .
I was young, free and single and not much bothered me but when there was a thunderstorm it did make me very nervous.
I don't turn anything off unless the storm is overhead and then everything is turned off.
07-08-2011, 12:25 PM
20
Re: Do you turn off ?
I have just spoken to my sister who has recently had a lightning strike, it came through the telephone cables and blew up her (and her neighbours) new computer and phones, and knocked out the sky dish!I don't think I will stay on the phone if there is a storm.
We always worry because our house is Victorian and has huge chimneys which used to have a lightning conducter fitted rumour has it that our local scrap metal dealers stole it, along with all the drain covers they could find (houses were empty for 4 years before we bought them).
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