thunderstorm damages!

From: Eric Chomko <chomko_at_greenbelt.com>
Date: Sun Jul 15 13:57:48 2001

Paul Thompson wrote:

> Do you typically unplug your machines during boomers, or leave them
> plugged in?

I was on vacation. The machine was plugged in but off.

>
>
> I purchased a UPS/line conditioner back when I lived in an upstairs
> apartment and my computer collection consisted of a 486 PC and QBUS
> DECsystem 5400.
>
> I did not suffer a lightning strike, but rain blew a surprising distance
> in an open window across the room on my UPS and shorted it out during a
> particularly bad T-storm. Fortunately I was in the next room when it
> happened since it emitted impressive sparks.
>

Wow, sounds intense.

>
> Since then, I have a house with a basement and the collection has expanded
> a great deal but I try to disconnect and power off all the equipment not
> doing anything important during flashy storms.
>

Most of my equipment is not plugged in.

>
> Now there is a lot more to disconnect. Network cables to all the
> machines, two of them to the linux box hooked to the cable modem, various
> printers, monitors and speakers not always hooked to a UPS due to lack of
> plugs or capacity. I imagine any one could be an entry point for a surge.
>
> On Sat, 14 Jul 2001, Eric Chomko wrote:
>
> > I've been accumulating the damages from a recent thunderstorm. Wow!
> > Originally I thought
> > it was just a GFI breaker and the phones. But it turns out that a
> > computer got hit (just a PC),
> > and the cable box as well as a TV. I'm making a list (8 entries so far).
> > Thank God my bro-in-law
> > here in Maryland gave me a surge supressor that I put on my SWTPC. Makes
> > me think I need
> > more of those things.
> >
> > Anyone else have such an event happen? Also, take this as a warning to
> > protect you most valuable
> > possessions. I intend to get a few more surge suppressors to protect
> > stuff. This is the one and only
> > time that this has happened to me, and I'm felling lucky.
> >
> > Eric
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
> --
Received on Sun Jul 15 2001 - 13:57:48 BST