Steve.
Yoou gaave good information, with explanations and context.
Adding my own comments, going on my
very basic knowledge of physics. I'm not an electrician either.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brokenfriend
If there is a terrible thunderstorm, a surge protector [...] should be sufficient.
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Right.
Without grounding, the potential effect of a lightning hit a lightning hit is a
large surge.
With grounding, most of the charge transfers directly into the earth. You might still see a
small surge which the surge protector can handle.... in the vast majority of cases.
Quote:
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unclipping the telephone wire from the wall behind the computer
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Yeah, I've seen telephone equipment fried that had no power connection.
Phone lines can carry a damaging level of charge during a hit.
I don't know if phone systems are grounded these days? If not,
all equipment with a land-line connection is vulnerable -- unplug phone wire.
Quote:
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you never ever know exactly what lightening will do
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Right. It is made of plasma arcs of
random shape and size: the power impact is unpredictable.
Exceptionally, a hit
could produce a surge big enough to "overpower" the surge protector.
Very improbable, but possible.
waves