By Frank Ross
If you are here because you have questions about protecting your home or business from lightning strikes, and are wondering if it is a good investment, consider that damage to electrical components and appliances is only one aspect of the dangers of lightning. Fire caused by lightning is far more devastating, and the resulting costs far more extensive.
In a study period that spanned from 2002 to 2005, only 16% of reported lightning fires occurred in homes; however, these fires accounted for nearly all the associated civilian deaths, 90% of the associated injuries, and 58% of the direct property damage.
During this same period, fire departments in the U.S. responded to an estimated annual average of 31,400 fires caused by lightning strikes. In human terms, on an annual basis, that is an average of 12 civilian deaths and 57 civilian injuries. On the financial side, these fires resulted in direct property damage totaling $213 million.
Attraction or protection
A commonly held misconception is that lightning rods attract lightning. In fact, a lightning protection system simply intercepts a lightning strike and channels its damaging voltage down a low-resistance cable and into the ground where it can be discharged harmlessly.
Another common misconception is that having a grounding rod to your electrical panel protects you from lightning. This grounding rod is strictly for the safety of your homes electrical wiring system, and offers absolutely no protection from lightning. Also, having a TV antenna that is grounded not only doesn’t offer protection, it can allow dangerous high voltage to enter the home through its wiring or directly through the stand-off clamps that secure it to your home.
Surge protection vs. lightning protection
Some people think they have protected their valuable computers and home entertainment centers by purchasing a surge suppressor or APC. These devices serve an important purpose in handling the daily variations in the public power supply that is provided to your home, but they are virtually worthless in the case of a direct lightning strike to your home. In fact, you’ll have to replace these devices as well as the components you thought you were protecting, should your home suffer a direct hit.
Most people aren’t aware of the many fluctuations in public power sources, but if you’re paying attention, you’ll often see lights dim in your home for a second or two. These surges are caused by a number of events in the distribution system, and the resulting temporary drop, followed by an equal or higher increase can cause extensive damage to electrical components. Good surge protection is a must, but it is no substitute for a lightning protection system.
"Thru-Roof" Concealed Base Assembly includes one 15" stem, watertight neoprene washer, nailing bracket and cable connector, with a stem adjustment screw for exact mounting of threaded Solid Shank Air Terminal.
Properly designed and professionally installed lightning protection systems have been proven to completely protect structures from the devastating effects of a direct lightning strike. A properly designed system takes into consideration a home or office building’s design, construction, soil condition, surrounding environmental elements such as water or tall trees and of course the electrical components inside. A lightning protection system can be concealed within the roof and walls, making it very unobtrusive. While an installation is easiest and least expensive during new construction, it can still be very affordable as a retrofit.
When you compare the costs of a lightning protection system to the majority of home improvements, lightning protection is one of the least expensive upgrades you can add to your home. It provides peace of mind and proven protection for your family, home and valuables.
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