Many homes are located in areas vulnerable to lightning activity.
Inherent Lightning Dangers
A single lightning strike can carry 30 million volts of electricity. And a single volt of lightning can cause damage to a home, computers, electronic equipment and appliances.
The Insurance Information Institute estimates that residential lightning losses exceed $1 billion annually and represent about five percent of all residential insurance claims.
Protection Systems
Consider installing a Lightning Protection System.
These systems perform a simple but potentially life-saving act by providing a specific path on which lightning can travel. A lightning protection system directs the destructive power of a lightning strike safely into the ground, leaving the structure, its occupants and its contents unharmed.
Lightning protection systems do not repel, attract or prevent a lightning strike but, rather, divert the destructive volts away from your home and other structures.
Modern lightning protection systems are designed to blend in with the style and materials of a structure, making the system almost undetectable.
How the Systems Work
Lightning protection systems consist of components that are constructed from highly conductive copper or aluminum alloys. A lightning protection system includes all of the following elements, which work together to prevent lightning damage:
- Conductors (special braided metal cables)
- Air terminals (lightning rods)
- Bonding connections to metallic bodies within the structure
- Ground terminations
- Surge suppression
Electronic Protection
Sensitive electronic equipment is extremely vulnerable to damage from lighting strikes, even when contained within the home or other structure. In most cases, UL-listed surge arrestors installed on electrical service panels offer the best protection.
Arrestors are the first line of defense against electrical surges that can enter the home through power lines. Arrestors prevent electrical fires and protect against excess voltage that can damage a building’s electrical system.
Installing UL-listed transient voltage surge suppressors provide additional protection for specific pieces of electronic equipment.
Homes Under Construction
Homes under construction are particularly vulnerable to lightning damage. It is a wise investment to add a lightning protection system to the structure during early stages of building.
Targeting Unsafe Situations
It is also a good idea to contact safety experts and licensed contractors to further inspect designated potential problem areas in and around your home.
A qualified lightning protection specialist can recommend tailored surge protection solutions that meet the specific needs of your home.
More Lightning Prevention Information
Your personal safety and the safety of your family are the most important elements of preparing for lightning strikes. Educate your family in lightning safety preparedness.
For lightning and electrical surge protection resources, visit the Lightning Protection Institute website or the Underwriters Laboratory - Lightning Protection Systems website.
