Electrical Storm Safety for PCs During a severe electrical storm, what is the only practical way to totally protect a personal computer from surge and lightning damage?

Introduction / Context:
Lightning surges and severe utility disturbances can enter a computer through any conductive path. Understanding complete isolation techniques helps protect hardware, data, and connected peripherals during electrical storms.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• A typical PC is connected to mains power, network cabling, phone/DSL, and peripheral cables.
• Lightning can couple into any connected cable, not just the AC cord.
• We seek a method that provides total protection, not partial mitigation.

Concept / Approach:

Total protection requires eliminating all conductive paths for surge energy. While surge protectors and UPS devices reduce many transients, they cannot guarantee safety against a near or direct lightning strike. The most effective approach is full physical disconnection of power and all external signal cables so no path remains for energy to reach the electronics.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Insurance and safety guidelines consistently note that only full disconnection can be considered total protection during a lightning event. Protective devices reduce risk but do not eliminate it.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Disconnect the AC power cable: Leaves network, phone, or coax paths intact for surges. Use a surge protector: Helpful for typical spikes but not guaranteed for lightning energy. Turn off the AC power: A switch open-circuits but still leaves connected conductors in place. None of the above: Incorrect because full disconnection is listed.

Common Pitfalls:

Assuming a surge strip or UPS provides absolute protection; ignoring phone/coax lines; forgetting externally powered USB hubs or printers that create additional paths.

Final Answer:

Disconnect all external cables and power cords