Can you use your cell phone during thunderstorms?

Since the popularization of mobile phones, many myths have been created about the devices. Most of these are related to smartphone use during storms and rainAccording to these stories, it can cause serious damage and even leave you more exposed to lightning.

Despite everything, Most of these stories are nothing but legendsIt has been scientifically proven to be a lie. But still you need to take some precautions In order not to damage the device or even get injured in minor accidents.

Today to clear your doubts TecMundo It answers the main questions surrounding the topic: Is it safe to use your mobile phone in rain and stormy weather? Check out!

Does a mobile phone attract lightning?

Don’t worry because Mobile phones do not attract lightning. This is one of the biggest myths in technology; It is largely due to the numerous connections a smartphone has; whether it’s the mobile phone network itself, Wi-Fi for internet connections, or even Bluetooth for nearby devices.

However, if you have the device in your hand, this does not increase your chances of being struck by lightning. The biggest problem is the consequences of impact while holding the device. This could cause the smartphone to explode and cause a series of more serious burns. However, it is worth remembering that this can happen to any electronic device during an electrical discharge caused by lightning.

What are the risks of using a mobile phone during stormy periods?

There is no risk in using your mobile phone during stormy periods. This is because, as we mentioned before, it does not increase the likelihood of a lightning strike. Additionally, there is no other type of interference that your device can produce and therefore cause harm to you.

However, you need to pay attention to small precautions, especially if the storm brings very heavy rainfall. In these cases, Leaving your mobile phone outdoors may cause the device to come into contact with water. and damage some internal components. The same goes for leaving it in pockets or compartments that are not very closed and are exposed to large amounts of water.

Can you leave your mobile phone charging if it’s raining?

The answer to this question varies depending on the amount of rainfall. In smaller volumes, the famous drizzle does not cause any problems in leaving the device on charge. However, in cases where there is a storm, a lot of lightning and strong winds, It is recommended that you avoid leaving the device plugged in while charging.

This is because: While charging at the outlet, it is in direct contact with the electrical grid. Exposure to an accident such as a lightning strike or strong wind may cause energy to be discharged and therefore the device may suffer irreparable damageas well as other devices connected to the socket.

Is it dangerous to use electronics when it’s raining?

As mentioned before, devices connected to the electrical grid during a storm or heavy rain may be affected by energy discharges. Despite everything, There is no risk if they are not installed.

In some more specific cases, an oscillation may also occur in wireless networks such as telephone or internet networks. Therefore, if you are working online, Be careful not to experience disconnection problems due to rain or storm.

How to protect electronic devices from electrical discharges?

There are a number of devices that can be used for this function in order to protect your devices from possible electrical discharges. The cheapest of these is the Surge Protection Device (DPS). It is used as the first contact in sockets to protect other electronics connected to it and to direct possible voltage fluctuations.

Another very common and also inexpensive method is the extension cable. It acts as a kind of ruler, with which it is possible to connect more than three devices at the same time. The difference is that it has a built-in fuse that blows in case of high electrical currents, preventing it from reaching connected devices. It has a price range from R$ 25 to R$ 120, depending on the number of connections and the model.

The other option is to invest in UPS. For those who don’t know, it has a dual function; In addition to protecting electronic components from possible electrical discharges, it also keeps them on for a short time in the event of a power outage. They were small generators.

But the price range is already higher and varies from R$ 300 for very simple models, the energy charge of which takes a few minutes, to R$ 7,000 for more consistent models. However, they are used more for commercial use rather than home use.

Now that you know what to do in case of heavy rain or storm, you no longer have to worry about losing your device, just take the necessary precautions.

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