We love magnets, but we also don’t underestimate their power. With that in mind, there are a few things that you should never place near them. This is especially true with technology. Today’s computers and other devices are often comprised of magnetic materials, meaning that they can be destroyed when they come face-to-face with high powered magnets. Below we have listed a few tech items that you should keep away from magnets and what may happen if they do come in contact with one.

Credit Cards

Credit and debit cards in the U.S. are often made with a magnetic stripe. That black or gray line on the back of your card contains data that will be seriously jumbled if it touches a strong magnet, making it unreadable.

Computer Hard Drives

Inside many computer hard drives, there is a small neodymium magnet. It is possible for a powerful magnet to destroy, damage or erase data.

Phones

The same premise for computers can be applied to phones. Because many phones have magnetic storage, it is best to keep them away from strong magnetism.

Televisions

Older televisions with Cathode-Ray tubes, can be affected by magnetic fields. If exposed to a strong magnet, the display can be distorted. Here is an example of what happens when an old TV is exposed to a neodymium magnet.

Pacemakers

Magnets should never come in contact with anyone that has a pacemaker. Strong magnetic fields affect the operation of the device.

Anything with Magnetic Data

Cassette tapes, video tapes and floppy disks are just a few examples of storage devices that use magnetic tape to store data. Because they use this type of tape, a magnet can erase or damage data stored on them. Magnets are like any other tool. They can be useful and educational, but should be used with the proper care and safety precautions. For more information on magnet safety view our list here, or for more specific questions, you can contact us.