When we tell you that during a thunderstorm, you should unplug your devices, it’s not for nothing. A Reddit user saw his PC die due to a lightning strike. However, while the user did pull the plug on his machine, the PC still caught the lightning… Through the RJ45 cable. Clearly, his Internet line wasn’t earthed, which caused the damage we’re about to discover.
Lightning strikes his PC… Through the Ethernet port!
During a storm, unplug everything!
We’ve already covered a similar case a few weeks ago. But in this case, the user in question was aware of the thunderstorm in progress, and so took the initiative by disconnecting the cable from his power supply. However, it didn’t occur to him that the Ethernet cable in his installation could be the cause of his system’s death. But it didn’t. Lightning strikes right next door, travels up the coaxial cable, through the router and ends up in his PC. Unluckily, our Redditor’s computer is struck by lightning, and the damage is extensive. Between the I/O connector turning black, the burn marks on the wall and the coaxial cable melting in its housing, there’s quite a bit of damage… Oh, and of course, the router is kaput too.
As you can see, in the event of a storm, you need to remember to unplug everything, power supply and Ethernet cable alike. In this kind of situation, even an inverter wouldn’t have protected the equipment, since the Internet line itself was not protected.
If this happens to you, don’t hesitate to contact your home insurance company. Your contract probably includes a clause guaranteeing compensation in the event of lightning damage. It’s up to you to decide whether it’s worth the risk, depending on your deductible (if any).
