Indonesia
Better to Unplug TV Set in a Storm
Tommy was sitting in the living room watching his favorite program on TV. Outside, the weather is raining hard. Moments later, lightning was striking. In heavy storm, his father immediately switched off the television and unplugged the cord. His father also unplugged most of the electrical device. Why?
During a thunderstorm, a lightning bolt may hit the house or building. The electric current always looks for the simplest way to the ground. So, it will flow through the wiring. Any electrical stuff plugged in can get zapped by the electricity on its way to the ground. The television set, or other electronic set, melted when the house got struck by thunder.
In bad case, there will be a pulse going through the house and we can even feel it in your chest. In worst case, it may electrocute us. Some people have been killed while indoors, because they were using electronics and the electrical discharge from the bolt came out from the sockets.
If we are in the only house on the prairie, the probability of hit by lighting is bigger. If we are in a town or city neighborhood, the probability is lower. In Indonesia, most of electric installations at homes are protected by arrester. If we need more protection, use a Surge Protector. To give better protection, install a lightning rod.
TEGUH WAHYU UTOMO
PHOTOS: PHOTOS
