USBs disconnect/reconnect during thunderstorms

PlanK69 said:

Ok so I've read all the posts and what I'm getting from it is "install surge protectors". My computer already runs on a UPS so that won't need to change. I just find it very strange that when I hear thunder from 5-10 kilometers away, my keyboard/mouse disconnects and reconnects... that's unexplained so far

First, unexplained because you did not do what must exist before any useful answer is possible. Again, "USB stutter is due to noise. Nobody can say anything useful until all connections are discussed. For example, is each USB device powered from its USB cable or via some separate power source. Remember, the noise (not surge) that might cause stutter must have an incoming path to that USB device. And a completely different and separate outgoing path. ... Solutions start by first defining a problem - every possible incoming and outgoing current path."

Obtaining schematics or proper tools is unnecessary. This is not a very complex subject. But every answer can only be speculation if a required above description is not provided.

Useful replies means ignoring some recommendations. A simple rule applies. If recommendations are not tempered by numbers, then ignore that source.

PlanK69 said:

My computer already runs on a UPS so that won't need to change. ... So, I'll make sure my computer is plugged in with only surge-protector plugs, and see if that changes anything the next time there's thunder around.

Second, a UPS or protector adjacent to electronics does not solve interruptions. Some reason why are repeated:

"noise current creates single digit volts. View numbers on that protector. It does absolutely nothing until [your] AC voltage well exceeds ... 500 volts."

"That stutter would be a canary in the coal mine. It is saying a transient must be averted where it enters a building."

"A "$1 per protected appliance" whole house solution is effective because (a) it makes a low impedance (ie less than 10 foot) connection to (b) single point earth ground. "

"First is to define incoming and outgoing paths via each USB device. Then others can define a problem BEFORE recommending a solution. Second is to have effective transient protection for all appliances - a 'whole house' solution."

To rephrase. UPS or protectors adjacent to electronics (and therefore without a 3 meter connection to earth) do nothing useful for this anomaly.

Every connection must be described. Every connected USB device listed. Every USB power source described. Is computer connected to an ethernet port? It must be listed. Is a mouse hardwired to the computer? List it. If every connection between everything is not listed, then no informed assistance is possible.

You have a UPS? Then every incoming and outgoing to that UPS even must be listed. If the connection is a two prong or three prong, well, that is two wires or three. Each wire must be known.

Connect an incandescent bulb to a same receptacle. If power (voltage) is changing, then bulb will obviously change intensity. That bulb (and behavior or any others) is a sophisticated diagnostic tool. Bulb can dim to well less than 50% intensity before AC power causes a computer problem.

Ignore replies that suggest unplugging is a solution. Unplugging is how to collect facts (a diagnostic). Unplugging is never a solution even to protecting hardware from direct lightning strikes.

Again, "If a surge is permitted anywhere inside, then well proven 'whole house' protection (with the always required low impedance connection to earth ground) is missing. Routine should be thunderstorms without any indication that a nearby strike existed (other than noise). Interruptions to USB devices or "irreversible damage" indicates a human mistake exists."

Long before interruptions can be solved, first the reason and source of that interruption must be defined.