How To Prevent Lightning Damage to Your Home
Did you know that approximately 1 in 200 homes are struck by lightning each year? While the odds may seem slim, the consequences of a lightning strike can be devastating – especially in storm-prone areas like Austin, Texas.
A single bolt can send millions of voltssurging through the local electrical system. This intense wave of energy can devastate wires, fry electronics and appliances, and even cause injury or worse.Fortunately, there's protection available.
In this brief article brought to you by Mr. Electric, we’ll shed light on some effective measures you can take to protect your home and loved ones. If you’d rather consult with a certified electrician, then contact Mr. Electric to schedule a face-to-face meeting or onsite visit.
Understanding Our Lightning Risk
Austin's got a unique climate characterized by warm and humid conditions, especially during the spring and summer months. The combination of moisture and warm temperatures creates ideal conditions for storm development. This is to say we’re not foreign to lightning strikes in the area.
Protection Starts at the Top: Lightning Rods
One of the most effective methods to protect your home is by installing lightning rods. Thesesystems are designed to safely attract and conduct the enormous electrical charge from a lightning strike away from your home’s structure.
Lightning rods are installed on the roof and connected to a grounding system buried in the earth. When lightning strikes, the rod provides a low-resistance path for the electrical service energy to disperse safely.It’s a relatively small cost compared to the potential repair bills and replacement costs after a strike.
Surge Protectors: Your Home’s Best Friend
Even with lightning rods in place, some voltage can squeak by. That’s where whole-home surge protection comes into play to form a much-needed additional layer of defense.
Unlike the surge protector cords you might use for your computer or TV, a whole-home surge protector is installed at your main electrical panel.This device detects excess voltage and quickly shuts off power to prevent that extra surge from traveling through your home’s wiring.
Installing Grounding Systems for Electronics
Three’s a charm, and a third layer of protection is essential if you have valuable electronics, appliances, and electrical systems. Consider using individual surge protectors on your most important devices. Look for surge protectors with a high joule rating and a fast response time. Also remember to regularly test your GFCI and AFCI outlets, and repair or replace if necessary.
Tree Trimming and Landscaping
Sometimes, protecting your home from lightning isn’t just about what’s inside. Trees and other tall structures near your home can attract lightning andsend a surge down through your home.
Take a walk around your property and check to see whether there are any trees that pose a risk. If a tree is too close to your house – especially if it’s old or in poor condition – then consider having it trimmed or even removed.
Not only will this reduce the chance of a direct lightning strike but will also minimize the risk of falling branches during a storm.
For When Worse Comes to Worst: Lightning Insurance
No matter how many precautions you take, there’s always some risk left over. That’s why it’s important to check your homeowner’s insurance policy for a peace of mind in case the worst happens.
Many standard policies don’t cover lightning damage unless it’s accompanied by a fire, so it might be a good idea to speak with your insurance agent about adding specific coverage for lightning strikes and related electrical surges.
Have a Certified Electrician Investigate
If you’re concerned about the safety and security of your home’s electrical system, then call Mr. Electric to consult with seasoned professionals. An electrical safety inspection can uncover issues and vulnerabilities and/or give you the peace of mind you’re looking for.
