Should You Really Unplug Your Smartphone During a Thunderstorm ? Experts Answer

It's a very old belief: thunderstorms can be dangerous for our electrical devices. So should we unplug them or not??

Electronic devices and lightning generally don't mix well. While our devices generally need electricity to function properly, the latter is generally supervised and controlled. There are specific standards to ensure that our electrical appliances do not trip or cause a fire.

But what would happen if lightning struck while our devices, including our smartphone, were plugged into an outlet?? If a storm were to strike above your home, there is always a risk that the electricity generated by the lightning could create a surge in your devices and seriously damage their components. Several experts and safety departments have looked into the danger lightning to know if you should unplug your devices during a storm or not.

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The short answer is: prevention is better than cure. According to ENGIE experts, the level of danger of thunderstorms on electrical devices depends mainly on your location and the age of your electricity network. In the countryside and in the mountains, the risks are generally higher since the number of metal structures is greater there. There are also more overhead power lines built to deliver power to your entire community. Large cities are less at risk because many lightning rods are often installed there.

ENGIE therefore recommends unplugging the most complex electrical devices during a storm. This may include your computers, television, internet box, home automation devices and all equipment that has a microprocessor. The French fire brigade also advises against using your phone, especially for calls, outdoors. It is also recommended to avoid recharging it during a storm, especially if you live in the countryside.

On the other hand, it is strongly recommended not to touch your circuit breaker. This equipment is specially designed as a safety feature which is triggered to cut off your electrical network in the event of a power surge or other problem detected. It therefore acts as a protection for you and your electronic devices.