Obviously, you want to avoid damages by lightning to your property and sensitive equipment as a business, but this is also a concern for homeowners. Due to fires and power surges that damage electronics, damages by lightning to property is a major concern for homeowners and renters alike. Lightning strikes cost insurance companies millions of Rands each year in claims. The report noted that since lightning protection technology has become more affordable, the number of claims has decreased, and the cost per claim has increased. Homeowners and renters can prevent property damages by lightning by taking precautions.
Climate change and rising temperatures are increasing the frequency of lightning strikes? Among the top causes of electrical and electronic equipment damage, as well as property damage and even death, is electric shock. As lightning can produce four times the heat of the sun, it is critical to avoid lightning disasters.
Lightning occurs during thunderstorms. An electric spark occurs (like static electricity) once the electrical fields are strong enough. This results in lightning. As well as between clouds and the atmosphere, static electricity can also occur between clouds. What is harmful, however, is the contact between clouds and the ground.
A lightning rod can prevent damages by lightning. We can therefore protect ourselves and our loved ones, as well as our property, from damages by lightning in the easiest and most effective way. Additionally, they prevent electrically charged clouds from damaging your facility and safely discharge them to the ground.
Make sure your home is lightning protected. Lightning protection systems are one of the best ways for homeowners, specifically, to protect themselves from lightning strikes and prevent damages by lightning at their facilities. According to the Lightning Protection Institute, a lightning protection system is a combination of copper and aluminum materials that provide a low-resistance path through which lightning’s dangerous electricity can be safely grounded.
Unplug appliances and electronics. Electrical damage and structural fires can be caused by lightning in your home. The electrical wiring system can be damaged by lightning if it is the primary or secondary path. Even nonelectrical appliances can be damaged by a power surge. Tenants and owners can prevent damages by lightning by unplugging electronic devices and appliances before a storm.
Make sure there is proper surge protection installed. When you’re on vacation, unplugging your electronics can be a challenge. To keep your electronics safe from lightning, make sure your electronics are properly protected against surges. According to Allstate, surge protection limits the voltage on computers and other electronic equipment to 1.5 times the normal voltage in order to protect them from surges.