I have my Babylock Ellegante plugged into a very good quality surge protector, and always unplug the surge protector when we hear thunder or know a storm is supposed to be heading toward us, because the same surge protector has our computer modem plugged into it. Lightening can strike well ahead of a storm, so better to be overly cautious and save your possessions. I would hate for my computerized sewing machine to be gone because we didn't unplug the surge protector.