Yesterday’s wild thunderstorm here in Lithgow was a real wake-up call for us at Lithgeek! While we were working on a few customers’ computers, we noticed the storm rolling in and wisely decided to unplug all the clients machines until it passed. Sure enough, one of our techs went home later only to find their computer was fried, despite having a surge protector. That storm was a reminder of the dangers of lightning strikes and why unplugging a computer, even one plugged into a surge protector, is often the safest bet. Here’s why it matters and what you should keep in mind to protect your electronics.

Surge Protectors vs. Unplugging: Why Surge Protection Isn’t Foolproof

Surge protectors are a fantastic line of defense against everyday power spikes. From sudden outages to routine electrical surges, a good surge protector can protect your valuable tech, preventing the costly damage that a voltage spike can cause. Quality surge protectors can handle most minor fluctuations and often offer protection for devices like desktops, monitors, and even gaming consoles. If you’re investing in your setup, especially a custom-built gaming rig, you’ll want this layer of protection.

But here’s the catch: surge protectors can’t always handle the extreme power surges that lightning can bring. When lightning strikes close to your home, it can send millions of volts through the electrical system, easily overwhelming even the best surge protector. While some high-end surge protectors or uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) might claim to protect against all power spikes, nothing is guaranteed against the sheer power of a lightning strike. And that’s why, when a thunderstorm hits, the best insurance is to unplug completely.

Why Unplugging Is the Best Protection During a Thunderstorm

Here’s the bottom line: unplugging is the only way to fully isolate your computer from a potentially damaging surge during a thunderstorm. When you unplug, you physically disconnect the computer from the electrical system, which prevents any surge from reaching it. Even if your computer is connected to a high-quality surge protector, it’s still technically “in the line of fire” if lightning strikes. The voltage could travel through the wiring, bypass the surge protector, and hit your machine.

So, the next time you see lightning or hear thunder rolling in, take a moment to unplug. Not only will it save your PC from possible electrical damage, but it also gives you peace of mind, knowing you don’t have to worry about fried hardware or data loss.

Surge Protectors Still Play an Important Role

Even though they’re not infallible, surge protectors are still essential. They protect your computer from smaller power surges, which can happen during regular power interruptions or even from heavy appliances turning on and off. These spikes might not destroy your machine immediately, but over time, they can degrade sensitive components in your PC, especially in custom-built gaming rigs with high-performance parts. For areas like Lithgow, where power fluctuations aren’t uncommon, having surge protection is a must.

For gaming enthusiasts and creative professionals, surge protectors with higher joule ratings are available and offer more protection. A high-rated surge protector can absorb more energy before failing, which makes it a better option for safeguarding high-end components like gaming PCs and workstations. And while surge protectors are good for basic setups, gaming rigs or high-performance computers will get even better coverage with a UPS that has a built-in surge protector and battery backup. UPS systems also allow you to safely power down your computer during an outage without losing data.

Custom Gaming PC Owners: Invest in Surge Protection, but Don’t Rely on It Alone

If you have a custom-built gaming PC, especially one with pricey components, surge protection should be a priority. At Lithgeek custom gaming computers, we build custom gaming PCs and always recommend surge protectors as part of a smart setup. However, we also tell our customers: no surge protector can protect against a direct lightning strike.

So, while that surge protector is handling everyday power bumps, make sure you’re also prepared to unplug if the storm rolls in. For those in the Lithgow area, where storms can be unpredictable, this extra step can save you hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars in repairs and replacements.

Final Thoughts: What Happened During the Storm

Our team’s quick decision to unplug during the storm yesterday saved several customer machines from potential damage. Seeing one of our own tech’s computers damaged at home was a reminder that we all need to take these precautions seriously, even with surge protection in place. No matter what type of computer you have—whether it’s a custom gaming rig, a standard desktop, or a laptop—the best defense during a thunderstorm is always to disconnect.

Next time you see storm clouds forming, remember to:

1. Shut down your computer safely.
2. Unplug from the wall socket.
3. Unplug Ethernet cables and other sensitive connections, as these can also carry surges.

Keeping these tips in mind can save you headaches and costs in the long run.

Stay Safe and Protect Your Tech

For anyone looking to beef up their setup with surge protection or a custom gaming PC that’s built to handle demanding needs, drop by Lithgeek on 53 Main Street. We’re here to help with everything from upgrades to protection advice, so your system is ready to perform—storm or shine!