Computers and electronics lightning strikes

Lightning and Electronics – Risks and Protecting Your Devices

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Prevent a lightning strike from costing you thousands in electronics repair and replacement. Understanding lightning’s properties and how to keep your devices safe will keep you from paying for costly repairs and replacements.

Computers and electronics lightning awareness and protection

New Life Technology Group gathered information about what attracts lightning, damage to electronics, how to protect your devices, and how to prevent or divert lightning strikes.

What Attracts Lightning?

Computers and electronics lightning strikes on tall buildings

Lightning forms when a buildup of electrical charges in a cloud seeks balance. A strike occurs as negative charges from the cloud find the fastest route to the ground. Since lightning looks for the quickest path, it is attracted to specific conditions:

Tall Structures – Taller buildings, trees, and poles are prime targets. If a structure towers over its surroundings, lightning is more likely to strike it. Homes and businesses with tall roofs or antennas, like those situated on elevated terrain, are more susceptible.

Metal – Conductive materials like metal attract lightning. Metal roofing, antennas, or HVAC units on buildings increase the chances of lightning hitting and causing significant damage to electrical systems.

Moisture – Water is a great electrical conductor. Wet areas around buildings—whether on roofs, trees, or even in the atmosphere—make nearby structures more likely to be struck.

Rooftop Equipment – Satellite dishes, weather vanes, and other equipment mounted on rooftops act as lightning attractors, especially when they are made of metal and stand taller than other objects on the roof.

Energy in a Lightning Strike

Computers and electronics lightning energy

The power behind a lightning strike is staggering. A single bolt can carry 1 billion electrical volts and generate a 30,000 to 300,000 ampere current. This energy can cause severe damage in less than a second. The temperature inside a lightning bolt can reach 50,000°F – hotter than the sun’s surface. This immense heat and energy can melt wiring, destroy electronic components, and cause fires in homes and businesses.

Potential Damage to Electronics

When lightning strikes a building, it creates an electrical surge, passing through wiring and affecting everything connected to the electrical system. This surge can cause severe damage to:

Computers and Servers – Sensitive electronic components inside computers and servers are highly vulnerable to electrical surges. Even a brief surge can fry circuit boards, corrupt data, or destroy hard drives.

Home Appliances – Appliances like refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines are susceptible to damage from power surges. While these devices are not as sensitive as electronics like computers, they can still experience internal damage that requires costly repairs or replacements.

Television and Audio Equipment – Lightning surges through electrical wiring and antennas, destroying TVs, sound systems, and other audio/visual equipment.

HVAC Systems – Lightning can also affect larger systems, such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units, often leading to costly repairs or replacements after a storm.

How to Protect Your Electronics and Appliances

Unplug computers and electronics during lightning storms

Given the significant risk lightning poses to electronics, protective measures are crucial. Here are some effective methods to safeguard your devices:

Surge Protectors – A surge protector is your first line of defense against power surges caused by lightning. These devices limit the voltage that reaches your electronics by diverting excess voltage to the ground. High-quality surge protectors with a built-in suppression system are highly recommended for protecting computers, televisions, and appliances.

  • Whole-House Surge Protectors – Consider installing a whole-house surge protector for more comprehensive protection. This device is installed at the main electrical panel and helps prevent surges from reaching individual outlets.

Unplug Devices – The safest way to protect electronics during a lightning storm is by unplugging them. If a storm is forecasted, disconnect computers, appliances, and entertainment systems from their power sources. This prevents a voltage surge from damaging the equipment.

Use Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) – A UPS device offers more protection than a typical surge protector by providing backup power to electronics during a surge or outage. A UPS keeps computers, servers, and other sensitive devices running, allowing you to safely shut them down.

Install Grounding Systems – Grounding helps ensure that electrical surges from lightning are directed safely into the earth rather than through your devices. Proper grounding is a crucial part of building design and should be implemented by licensed electricians.

Preventing or Diverting Lightning Strikes

Computers and electronics lightning protection system

While lightning cannot be absolutely prevented, several systems and strategies help divert lightning away from homes and businesses, reducing the risk of damage.

Lightning Protection Systems (LPS) – An LPS consists of rods, conductors, and ground electrodes (designed to channel the energy from a lightning strike into the ground). Here’s how the system works:

  • Lightning Rods – Installed at the highest points on buildings, lightning rods act as receptors, attracting lightning strikes.
  • Conductors – Copper or aluminum cables connect the lightning rod to ground electrodes. These cables guide the lightning’s energy from the roof to the ground.
  • Grounding Electrodes – These rods are buried in the earth to safely dissipate the electrical charge from a lightning strike. Proper grounding is essential for the safe function of an LPS.

By diverting lightning from the building’s electrical system, an LPS prevents dangerous surges that could otherwise damage electronics and appliances.

Install Non-Metallic Roofing Materials – Metal roofs are durable. However, they attract lightning strikes. If you live in an area prone to lightning, consider installing less conductive roofing material, like asphalt shingles, clay tiles, or slate.

Avoid Installing Tall Structures on Rooftops – Limit the installation of tall objects like antennas or weather stations on rooftops (these attract lightning). Where possible, make use of shorter or non-metallic alternatives.

Trim Nearby Trees – Tall trees near homes or businesses can attract lightning. If struck, falling limbs or entire trees can damage roofs or electrical systems. Regular tree trimming minimizes this risk.

Who to Call After a Lightning Strike

If lightning strikes your home or business, take immediate action to prevent further damage:

Electrician – Contact a licensed electrician to inspect the building’s electrical system. Lightning surges can damage wiring, outlets, and circuit breakers, posing fire risks if not addressed.

Roofer – Have a roofing professional assess the roof for damage, particularly if lightning hits metal components or antennas.

HVAC Technician – If your HVAC system experienced electrical surges, have it inspected for internal damage to avoid future breakdowns.

Insurance Provider – Report the lightning strike to your insurance company to start a claim for any damage. Document the damage with photographs and written descriptions to support your claim.

Computer and Electronics Recycler – Donate affected electronics to a local nonprofit computer and electronics recycling center like New Life Technology Group.

Lightning and Your Electronics

In this article, you discovered what attracts lightning, its properties, how it damages electronics, and how to prevent or divert damaging lightning strikes.

Installing surge protectors, unplugging devices during storms, and investing in lightning protection systems help reduce risks and save you thousands in repairs and replacements.

Ignoring the need to protect your home or business from lightning strikes can leave you with costly expenses when you lose your data and are left with inoperable devices.

Sources:
noaa.gov/jetstream/lightning/lightning-safety
weather.gov/safety/lightning
ready.gov/thunderstorms-lightning

  New Life Technology Group
 

    253 Grogan Dr #120
    Dawsonville, GA 30534
    (404) 313-8215
 
what to do with your old computer Nonprofit Electronic Recycling Center Atlanta Ga

To Plan Or Not To Plan

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Let me guess, you haven’t made your plans for how you are celebrating NYE?

“It’s October!” you say, “Give me a break! I don’t even plan for events two weeks in advance, let alone 2 months.” It’s OK, I do become OCD on things like this, especially big holidays or events that I know the choices will become endless, but I usually have an idea of what I want to do, and then I narrow things down by cost and prior commitments.

So, even if you are not a big planner and you fly by the seat of your pants through life, letting life just happen to you, there’s room for both with this short BLOG.

Whether you plan for it or not, we here at New Life Technology Group will take your electronic donations. For the planners, we know you are already considering year end donations, and office reconfigure plans for the new work environment. Certainly, with the pandemic, it’s caused you to plan differently than ever before. For the non-planners, you’re the type that just use your electronics till they break or at least slow down and affect your user experience, then you decide you need something else and you look to discard it quickly. Relax, both scenarios work for New Life Technology Group.

You see, we collect electronics of all kinds: used, broken, working, or not. We take them in and turn them into something that others can use, especially laptops. Did you know that 100% of all donations we receive are recycled or repurposed? Even better, when it comes to laptops, a portion of what we take in that are salvageable, go right to our Computers For Kids Program. This program is unique and one of a kind. We deliver refurbished laptops to students in the Atlanta metro area who may not otherwise be able to afford it. Some families have more than one student underfoot, yet only have one household computer to get work done. We want to change that dynamic and put laptops into more hands so students can continue to learn and excel. As long as remote learning is in demand our need will be great.

This is where you come in whether you’re a planner or procrastinator. We need your electronics, especially laptops, to keep up with the demand. As a non-profit organization, we rely on the generous donations from the community. Whether your company is downsizing and needs to be relieved of excess electronic equipment, or you are an individual not knowing how to properly dispose of your unwanted electronics, we are here for you.

With your help, we can help students thrive, but you know what else happens? We prevent our landfills from taking on this unwanted waste. E-waste is a huge problem globally. There’s so many countries that do nothing to properly dispose of such items, and we do not want to join those ranks. As mentioned, we properly recycle 100% of what we take in. We have resources and vendors that help us break down every type of electronic material, from the wires and software side of things to all the hardwire and metals. It’s truly an undertaking that needs more awareness these days. We are happy to be an organization that knows our place and where we fit in this cycle. So what we need most is the connection from you. That connection that comes from you understanding how important it is to recycle, but then goes the extra mile to actually do something about it. We appreciate it greatly when you choose New Life Technology Group as your partner in this endeavor.

Should you have something now or in the future, please keep us at the top of your list and your mind. We can’t do this without you! If you came across us intentionally via our marketing efforts on Google and/or social media or you searched organically and we came up, it takes a lot to keep non-profit organizations like ours afloat. Should you not have any electronics to donate, but would like to support our cause with a monetary donation of any amount, we’d appreciate it and be happy to accommodate you there as well. Your donations are tax deductible and will go a long way to securing our mission of helping students succeed across metro ATL and keep electronics out of our landfills.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or would like to make a donation, whether that’s in person or online. Our Alpharetta office is open Monday through Friday from 8am – 4pm, or for your convenience you can donate online here.

We look forward to partnering with you!

Learn how to host a public or private electronics collection event

Learn how to hold an electronics dropbox drive

 

Nonprofit Electronic Recycling Center Atlanta Ga

It’s 2021 – How Do You Work?

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Should you stay or should you go? . . . Back to work, that is. Have you had to make the decision if you are staying home and working remotely or are you beckoning the call to head back to the office? Hopefully you have a choice. If you have not had to decide, it’s coming, so be prepared. Now, whether you choose to go back to work or continue in the remote sector, it’s not ours to say what’s better or even more desirable. We want to address the eight hundred pound gorilla in the room, meaning there’s still a question that needs to be answered . . . What are all the business owners doing with all the electronic equipment you now realize you don’t need or can’t use if your people choose to work remotely? You most likely now have extra laptops, desktops, copiers, printers, audio equipment, phone systems, network devices, servers, cables and so much more! What to do, what to do?
 
There’s really three options to consider going forward:
 

1. You could sell them all (if you have the time to do so) – Selling your equipment will get you some return on your investment, but not much. When you consider depreciation, prepping them all to sell, constantly monitoring their progress online and boosting the postings as needed. Is your time and effort worth it?

2. You could trash them all (not recommended – please don’t) – Trashing all these electronics is NOT the answer. We know you’re better than that. Besides, the landfills can’t take it, and what’s worse is the growing global problem with electronics taking up too much space in landfills from poor decisions of others not being as resourceful as we know you can be.

3. You could donate your electronics to New Life Technology Group (best option ever), and here’s why:

a) We recycle or refurbish 100% of what is donated.
b) Nothing that comes through our doors ends up in the landfill!
c) A portion of your donations (especially laptops) go to our Computers For Kids Program.
 
If you’re not familiar with our Computers For Kids Program, here’s the simplest explanation. We take in donated laptops and the ones we can refurbish, we do, and then turn them back around to students who are still choosing remote learning, but who’s parents may not have the resources to have several laptops at their disposal. To date we’ve donated over 900 laptops through the program and the demand never ends. We appreciate all of our donors, and please know that should you not be able to donate a laptop, there are two other ways to donate. Our AmazonSmile program is one and straight monetary donations are the other. Check out the donate page to see how you can make a difference in a student’s life.
 
For more information about setting up an Electronic Waste Event or a Drive, please visit our Events page or feel free to contact us at 404.313.8215.
 
 
Nonprofit Electronic Recycling Center Atlanta Ga

Benefits Of Partnering With A Non-Profit Charity

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Non-profits are getting more time in the spotlight these days, and it’s no surprise that there are more and more non-profit needs developing each day. You may be a little puzzled as to exactly why non-profits are important and how you or anyone else can become involved. First let me state that partnering with a non-profit, whether on an individual level or a corporate one, is mutually beneficial for both parties. With that being said, let’s take a look at why this is so:

1. Corporate giving/donations offers substantial incentives for businesses These charitable donations can give up to approximately 50% deductions on your Adjusted Gross Income. Partnering with an IRS approved non-profit is not only good publicity, but good in and of itself to give back. This supports morale across the board and helps gain customer support in and of itself. 

2. Non-profits can help businesses, both small and large, be environmentally friendly, which is essentially going green. Whatever your beliefs are regarding what can or can’t be done to help the environment, reducing waste is a great place to be. Saving the planet takes on all shapes and forms, and a non-profit is a hefty tool when it comes to making changes for our planet. 

3. Non-profits offer a validated channel through which you can give back to your community and to those in need. It can be overwhelming trying to figure out how to help in meaningful and honest ways; thus, for this reason, non-profits are great agents of change for all types of large and small needs in our world. 

“Changing our World Starts with Changing Theirs” is our motto at New Life Technology Group. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit that has been working for the last 7 years to do our part in reducing e-waste, which has become a prevalent form of waste in our ever-increasing age of technology. With so many different electronic devices that are replaced or broken frequently, e-waste has become an issue none can further avoid. We recycle all electronics to keep them out of our landfills. We will take your unwanted, outdated, & broken electronics. All items donated are 100% reused or recycled!

Why choose us? It’s two-fold. Not only are we helping make our planet a place that is better for our kids, but we are using the things that would go into a landfill and repurposing them for our communities that have need for such technology. If the items can’t be repurposed back into helping kids or schools, they are 100% recycled, leaving that much more room for green space to grow in their place.

How do we do this? Our mission is to help our planet by reducing e-waste and support our community through our Computers For Kids program. We do this by recycling, refurbishing, and redistributing old computers, IT equipment, and other electronic waste. We offer free commercial pickups and accept drop-offs for smaller loads and residential e-waste.

If you’re still wondering exactly how to partner with a charity, here are a few different ways you can get started with us:

1. Monthly donation – You can go to our website and click the link to donations or donate through Amazon Smile. While this requires less effort for the giver, it makes a huge impact for the receiver. 

2. Another way to get involved is by providing a location for a public donation event. A bigger work complex would be ideal for an event, so as to give multiple companies in the surrounding area a chance to come together and use their leverage for good through charity donations.

3. Office or workplace donations boxes are still an easy and effective way to get people to give. In this manner, business owners can place donation boxes in their place of work for company, employee, and even visitor donations. 

For further information please feel free to contact us or check our our FAQs and Services to learn more.