Lightning protection is a key element to the safety of any building, but despite its importance, many people still believe in outdated or misconceptions. They often underestimate the risks and make decisions that can lead to serious property damage or even endanger lives.
In this article, we'll debunk five of the most common myths about lightning protection and give you helpful information on how to protect your home or business.
Myth 1. If a building has a lightning rod, it is fully protected
One of the most common myths is that having a lightning rod is enough to protect a building from all the consequences of a lightning strike. In fact, the lightning rod (or lightning arrestor) is only part of the overall lightning protection system.
Effective protection includes several elements:
✔ A lightning arrestor - the device that intercepts the lightning.
✔ Leads - conductors that carry the electrical charge to ground.
✔ Earthing system - dissipates the electrical charge safely into the soil.
✔ Surge protection - protects electrical appliances from sudden power surges.
If any of these elements are missing or not properly constructed, the building remains exposed.
Myth 2: Lightning does not strike twice in the same place
The popular phrase "Lightning doesn't strike twice in the same place" is actually not true. Tall buildings, mountain tops, and open terrain can be struck repeatedly.
For example, the Empire State Building in New York City is struck by lightning over 100 times a year! The same applies to other tall structures such as communication towers and power lines.
Even ordinary buildings located in areas with frequent thunderstorms can be struck more than once. That's why a proper lightning protection system must be well designed and maintained on a regular basis.
Myth 3: Only tall buildings need lightning protection
Lightning doesn't just strike the tallest buildings - it also hits small houses, outbuildings and even people outdoors.
In fact, 70% of lightning strikes strike objects that are not the tallest in the area. The reason for this is that lightning seeks the easiest electrical path to the ground, not necessarily the highest point.
✔ If you live in an area with frequent thunderstorms, it is advisable to provide protection for even a single-story house.
✔ Industrial areas, warehouses and photovoltaic parks also need reliable lightning protection to avoid damage to equipment.
Myth 4: If there is no storm in the area, there is no danger of lightning
Lightning can strike up to 10-15 km away from a thunderstorm - even when the skies above are clear. This phenomenon is known as "clear sky lightning" and poses a serious risk, especially to people who are outdoors.
Example: if you see lightning in the distance and hear the thunder within 30 seconds of it, the storm is within a 10 km radius and it is time to seek shelter.
The best way to reduce your risk is to have a secure lightning protection system that works regardless of the weather and distance of the storm.
Myth 5: A lightning protection system is an expensive and unnecessary investment
Some people believe that building lightning protection is an unnecessary expense until an incident occurs. The truth is that the cost of repair after a lightning strike can be many times higher than that of preventative protection.
Damages can include:
❌ Damage to electrical appliances and wiring
❌ Fires and structural damage
❌ Damage to security and communication systems
❌ Direct risk to human life
Building a professional lightning protection system is a long-term investment in the security of your home, office or industrial site.
How do you protect your home and business?
At Inter Power, we have an expert team that designs and builds active lightning protection systems for all types of buildings.
✔ Consultation and risk analysis
✔ Custom solution design
✔ System installation and maintenance
Protect your home and business with reliable lightning protection! Contact us for professional advice and a free consultation.
