Hi, I'm Dan Cunningham

How many people disconnect their ADSL modem and computer hardware from the telephone line when there is a lightning storm? Probably not that many.

People living in South Brent (near Totnes in Devon) have seen the effects that a large lightning bolt can have. BT has had to replace 85 metres of overhead cable, and local computer stores are reporting a rush of kit to be repaired, including modems, routers, printers and phones damaged by a large single lightning strike.

To read more on the bolt from the blue visit DartmouthToday.co.uk. There is not much you can do to protect your expensive hardware from a direct strike on your home, but devices like surge protectors (which need to be ADSL compatible) can help to reduce the risk of damage from strikes further away.

Most ADSL modems include a sacrificial component that will destroy itself if a surge occurs over the telephone line to protect kit connected to the device, but in the case of a near or direct strike the amount of energy involved will jump this broken component.