The power of lightning bolts is impressive, but more comfortable to observe from a distance. Lightning nearby is a cause for concern and can result in major damage to your home. Some parts of the United States, notably Florida and the northern Gulf coast, are known for a high volume of lightning strikes. The increase in the quantity and sophistication of electronic devices found in the average home makes it even more important to consider the potential effects of lightning strikes and take action to minimize the risk.
Unplug Appliances for Safety
The simplest course of action is to unplug appliances and electronics when they are not in use or when you will be away from home for a period of time such as a vacation. Having the power switched off does not protect a device if it is still plugged in to the electrical outlet; it must be unplugged to remove it from the electrical circuit. If you know a storm is approaching, take a few minutes to unplug items in the house that are susceptible to a power surge.
Install Surge Suppression
To keep your valuable electronics from harm and reduce the need for disconnecting them, consider investing in surge protection equipment. It is common to have electronic equipment that is operating when you're not really thinking about it. DVRs record programs from cable or satellite connections so they can be watched later. Programmable timers manage lighting and thermostats. Reprogramming these items after they are unplugged can take considerable time. An alternative choice is the use of surge protectors.
Surge protection can be installed on your electrical panel to cover the whole house or it can take the form of individual outlet strips that protect a limited number of devices. Surge arresters at the panel can reduce the chance of electrical fires and deal with voltage fluctuations from the incoming electrical service. Individual surge suppressors only protect the devices that are connected to them directly. A surge arrester should have a UL 1449 rating for a specific clamping voltage, meaning the voltage level at which the arrester diverts the current to a ground line.
Install a Lightning Suppression System
Any surge arrester, no matter how good, will not be able to protect your appliances in the event of a direct strike. The intensity of a lightning strike can best be handled by diverting it to the ground. A lightning suppression system redirects lightning strikes to follow a constructed route so they will discharge in the ground. The system incorporates lightning rods attached to the roof line at intervals and connected to wires that guide the electrical current to the ground and into grounding rods that are set several feet below the surface. Lightning suppression systems are electrical systems and should be installed by a licensed professional.
Review the lightning protection you have in your home and decide if it is adequate to protect your property. Check with your homeowner's insurance carrier to see if lightning damage is covered by your policy. Depending on where you live and what type of property you own, you may find that increased lightning protection is worth the cost to give you greater security.
Lea Miller - Lea is a former accounting professional, with a B. S. degree in accounting from the University of South Florida. For twenty-five years, ...
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