Unplugging sensitive or valuable electronics can reduce their exposure to lightning-related surges—but do it well before a storm approaches. If you hear thunder or the storm is underway, leave plugs, cords, and electrical equipment alone. The National Weather Service warns that unplugging during a thunderstorm can put you at risk of being struck.
When should you unplug electronics?
If a storm is forecast and you want to disconnect equipment, do so before it threatens—not after you hear thunder. The National Weather Service’s Spokane office advises unplugging appliances and electronics from all conductors well before a thunderstorm threatens, where possible. That can include connections such as reception-system cables, not only the power cord.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Once thunder is audible, stop handling plugs, cords, and electrical equipment. The National Weather Service says not to unplug equipment during a thunderstorm because of the risk of being struck. Do not walk around the home checking wires or trying to disconnect devices after the storm has begun.
Recommended Free Tools
Why can a storm affect electronics indoors?
Lightning can enter a structure through electrical, phone, and plumbing systems, as well as radio or television reception systems. Equipment connected to those systems can be exposed to lightning-related surges. Keeping away from electrical equipment and cords during an active storm is therefore a personal-safety precaution, not just a way to avoid damaging devices. See the National Weather Service’s indoor lightning safety guidance.
#1 Best Overall
- 【4+4 Outlets Power Strip with 4 USB Ports】- The 3-side power strip with 8AC widely outlets and 4 USB charging ports, each USB A port features 5V/2.4A Max output. USB C charging port features 5V/3A MAX. can power up to 12 devices simultaneously.
- 【Surge Protector Power Strip with 3 Side Design & Wide Space】- 3-side design that makes it easier to make the plugs not covering any outlet, and the 8 AC outlets with 1.8 inches long space in between, larger than standard 1.5-inch socket. Larger spacing makes it easier to use for all kinds of equipment. The compact design saves more space, suitable for the home, office, and college dorm room.
- 【Multi Safety Protection】- ETL Certificates. This power strip has overload protection, short-circuit protection, over current protection, over-voltage protection and overheating protection. The surge protector with overload protection protects your electrical appliances from lighting, surges or spikes. The minimum energy-absorbing capacity of 900 Joules. It will automatically cut power to protect connected devices when voltage surge is overwhelming.
- 【6 Ft extension cord with Flat Plug】- The 45° flat plug design prevents the bottom plug from clogging and allows for easy installation in tight spaces; the 6-foot power cord allows for flexibility, and two mounting holes on the back allow for secure installation of this power outlet in a variety of applications.
- 【 Our After Sale Service 】- ETL Certificates. Our friendly and reliable customer service will respond to you within 24 hours. You can purchase with confidence, with our 30-day return and 12-month warranty.
Do surge protectors prevent lightning damage?
No ordinary surge protector should be treated as a guarantee against lightning damage. The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) says point-of-use surge protectors can protect connected equipment from most electrical surges, but typical surge protectors cannot protect equipment from a lightning strike. ESFI also notes that point-of-use devices may need replacement over time or after a major surge.
A panel-mounted surge-protective device (SPD) is a different layer: ESFI describes it as a first line of defense at the electrical service entrance and says it should be installed only by a qualified electrician. Neither type of protection makes equipment lightning-proof or changes the advice to avoid electrical equipment and cords during an active storm. Read ESFI’s surge-protective device guidance.
Rank #2
- All the Power You Need: Features 12 AC outlets, 1 USB-C port, and 2 USB-A ports to power appliances, mobile devices, and more. Total USB output is shared across all USB ports, with a maximum output of 15W.
- Fast Charge Your iPhone: Use the 20W USB-C port to give your iPhone 15 a high-speed charge from 0-50% in just 26 minutes.
- 8-Point Safety System: Combines surge protection, fire resistance, overload protection, temperature control, and more to protect you and your devices.
- Optimized Layout: Features extra space between outlets to accommodate bulky plugs. The 5 ft cord is ideal for desks (4 - 5 ft wide), bedside tables, and sofa side tables.
- What You Get: Anker 351 Power Strip, 2 mounting screws, welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, lifetime* $200,000 connected equipment warranty, and friendly customer service.
How do plug-in protectors and panel-mounted SPDs differ?
| Protection type | Coverage | Installation | Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Point-of-use surge protector | Equipment connected to the protector | Plug-in device | Protects against most electrical surges, not a guarantee against a lightning strike; may need replacement over time or after a major surge. |
| Panel-mounted SPD | Electrical service entrance as a whole-home layer | Qualified electrician | Not a guarantee against lightning damage and not a reason to handle wiring during a storm. |
These are different layers of protection, not alternatives to storm-safety precautions. The cited guidance does not establish brand, model, price, rating, or performance comparisons.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteQuick Recap
Rank #4
- 【Power Strip with 8AC outlets & 4 USB】- Power bars with surge protector with 8AC outlets & 4 USB charging ports (1 USB C Outlet), 6 Feet Heavy Duty extension cord, surge protector(2700 Joules) with overload protection protects against spikes and fluctuations.
- 【USB- C Fast & Smart Charge】- 4 USB Charging ports, each USB A port features 2.4A Max output. USB C charging port features 3A MAX. Built- with smart technology, detecting charging devices and deliver optimal charging speed automatically, compatible with most USB devices. NOTE: The UCB-C port doesn't support any other devices which need 9~22V charging voltage.
- 【8AC Surge Protector Outlets】- This power Strip provides 2700 joules of surge protection for electronic devices and serves as a reliable power extension cord. (The “Protected” indicator light turns on to indicate that your devices are protected.)
- 【Safety and Certificate】- ETL safety certified, with extension cord and other major components certified by ETL. The over current protection switch limits the power strip's working current to certain setting, so it will not get hot during usage. Environmental protection and fire-resistance PC shell with flame retardant at 1382℉ makes it more durable and longer lifetime.
- 【What You Get】- Nuetsa Power strip, Maunal, 30-day return, our worry-free 12-month, and reliable customer service will respond to you within 24 hours.
Rank #3
- Power Strip with 6 Outlets & 3USB Ports: 6 AC Surge protector outlets(1680 Joules) including 1 Widely Spaced Outlet, 2 USB A Ports & 1 USB C Port, 6 feet power cord, Surge protector indicator and 10A Overload Protector switch protects against spikes and fluctuations.
- Smart Charging USB Ports: Build in smart charging technology, Each USB A port features 2.4A Max output. USB C charging port features 3A MAX, 3 USB ports can charge almost any USB device (smart phone, tablet, fire stick, e-reader, blue tooth headphones, portable speaker etc).
- Surge Protector outlet: The 6 AC outlets provide surge protector against electrical spikes. with response speed less than 1Ns, and minimum energy-absorbing capacity of 1680 Joules, its response time is much shorter than the single MOV surge protector circuit, It truly provides great protection of your precious plugged-in devices.
- 6 Feet Flat Plug Power cord with Cable Ties: 6 Ft Extension Cord makes it more flexible, Reusable Fastening Cable Ties Can tie up the unused cord and make it better organized. the Mounting hole at the back allows this wall mount power strip to be securely installed in various applications, such as wall mounts, floor mounts, workbenches, under counters & more.
- Our After Sale Service: Our friendly and reliable customer service will respond to you within 24 hours. You can purchase with confidence, with our 30-day return and 12-month warranty.
What to do before and during a storm
- Before a storm threatens: If you choose to disconnect sensitive or valuable equipment, do it early and consider its connected conductors, including reception cables.
- When thunder is audible or the storm is underway: Do not touch plugs, cords, or electrical equipment to disconnect anything.
- For longer-term protection: Consider surge protection for connected devices or ask a qualified electrician about a panel-mounted SPD, while recognizing that neither is a lightning-damage guarantee.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
