Do You Unplug Equipment During Thunderstorms?

I always unplug after each listening session. My system only takes 30-45 minutes to warm-up to its' enjoyable listening state from cold, so I never take the chance. the devastating consequences of a lightening strike are not worth the risk. Since my system is never plugged in while unattended, I don't have to worry about weather related anomalies that can damage/destroy my components while I'm not at home. I do have protection on the front end via Transparent Audio conditioning, but my amp and subwoofer are not protected, as they plug into a Shunyata Cyclops, which cleans up the power, but offers ZERO surge or lightening protection.

I formerly lived in Florida. Despite having a whole house lightning arrester and zero surge protection, I unplugged if the lightning is too close for comfort/

A direct or nearby strike can STILL fry things.

Short answer: YES.

@mytthor 

Unplug.

l agree with you. I always unplug between listening dates as it makes so much common sense. Leaving hi-fi on all the time invites trouble. If you are the sort of person who leaves the house regularly it probably doubles the risk of an embarrassing event. The ‘event’ does not just have to be a lightening strike but a catastrophic failure causing a fire.

It makes me wonder if insurance companies have some ducking and diving ‘riggle-room’ if a house burns down?
If the fire officers investigation discovers that the owner was out, the hi-fi was the seat of the fire, the owner admits…..’oh shucks, l always leave my hi-fi on because it sounds better that way’ how would the insurer feel about that?

As an observer, this scenario would just make me laugh. It would be so cringe worthy.

Yes, disconnect if you know its coming.  3 million volts is hard to stop but most damaging surges are a lot lower.  We have some sort of powerr event 2-3 times a month that are not 3 million volts.

@mylogic thats when you sue the equipment maker and end up owning your own tube amp company 😂