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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.

Originally Posted by Brokenfriend

If there is a terrible thunderstorm, a surge protector [...] should be sufficient.

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.

unclipping the telephone wire from the wall behind the computer

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.

you never ever know exactly what lightening will do

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.

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