Should you really unplug your smartphone during a storm? The experts answered

2024-07-31 05:24:11

It’s a very old belief: storms can be dangerous for our electronics. So should we remove them or not?

Electronics and electronics generally don’t mix well. If our devices generally need electricity to work properly, the latter is generally monitored and controlled. There are specific standards to ensure that our electronic devices do not trip or start a fire.

But what happens if lightning strikes while our devices, especially our smartphone, are plugged into an outlet? If a storm strikes above your home, there is always a risk that lightning caused by lightning can create a deep cycle in your devices and seriously damage their components. Many experts and safety departments have looked at lightning risk to find out whether you should unplug your devices during a storm or not.

The short answer is: prevention is better than cure. According to ENGIE experts, the level of risk of storms on electrical equipment depends mainly on your location and the age of your electrical network. In the countryside and in the mountains, the risks are generally higher because the number of metal structures is increased there. There are also overhead power lines designed to deliver power to your entire area. Large cities are less prone to danger due to the fact that many lightning rod facilities are often installed there.

Therefore ENGIE recommends disconnecting the most complex electronic devices during storms. This can include your computers, your television, your internet box, your home automation devices and any device that has a microprocessor. The French fire brigade also advises not to use your telephone, especially for calls, outside. It is also recommended to avoid charging during storms, especially if you live in the countryside.

However, it is strongly recommended not to touch your circuit breaker. This equipment is specially designed as a safety device that causes to cut off your electrical network in the event of an operation or other detected problem. So it acts as a protection for you and your electronic devices.