This lightning protection system website describes common lightning protection systems, certification, installation, and lightning protection system inspection.
We provide information about lightning strikes, lightning hazards, related equipment, sources of lightning protection system installers, and lightning strike risk assessment.
The lightning bolt photograph at page top was taken by the author from an aircraft.
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Effects of lightning strike on building electrical systems, electrical panels, grounding
Some common effects on the electrical system: service entry, electrical meter, electric panel, circuit breakers, fuses, wiring, grounding, individual electrical circuits, and appliances or other electrical equipment in the home are listed here.
Photo: This house fire in Georgia was caused by a lightning strike in April, 2008.
[Click to enlarge any image]
Fatal Shock Hazard Warning: Inspecting electrical components and systems risks death by electrocution as well as serious burns or other injuries to the inspector or to others. Do not attempt these tasks unless you are properly trained and equipped.
Loss of power to some or all of the building's circuits.
If only certain lighting or receptacle or appliance circuits are not working, start by turning the appropriate circuit breaker off, then back-on or replacing the fuse. Remember to check for a tripped GFCI receptacle in bathrooms or in the kitchen.
Watch out: before touching anything in the electrical panel look for burn or scorch marks: do not touch any equipment that is visibly damaged.
If some outlets are working but others not, all on the same circuit, then the problem is more-likely to be a lost connection at one of the receptacles (outlets).
Damaged or unsafe gas piping due to actual physical damage to gas lines causing a gas leak, or loss of proper electrical grounding. If in any doubt, turn off the gas supply at the main gas valve - provided you can do so safely wearing insulating gloves.
Watch out: If there is a gas odor, leave the property without doing anything to cause a spark (turning anything electrical on or off, even a cellphone) - and from a safe location, call your emergency services.
Need to replace local surge protection devices (that did their job and are now no longer functional) at or in the electrical panel, at wells, pumps, or other local electrical equipment
Power surge damage to other electrical equipment in the building
A current or future failure of one or more circuit breakers to trip in response to an over-current, resulting in a fire or injury or both.
Even if a circuit breaker "looks" un-damaged, it may be damaged internally, or there may be scorching and damage at the breaker-to-pane-bus connection that you cannot see without disassembly of the electrical panel - a step to leave to your electrician.
Watch out: while electricians and others may recommend a visual inspection of the electrical panel and its individual circuit breakers after a lighting strike, visual inspection alone may be insufficient to assure that these devices are safe and functioning properly.
A circuit breaker may be damaged internally such that it may fail to respond to an over-current - it may fail to trip in the future.
An incomplete test that is trivial to perform is to simply confirm that switching breakers OFF indeed turns off the circuit. ( beware that performing this switching test on some problem breaker panels such as FPE is not recommended and can instead increase the risk of a future circuit breaker failure)
Additional tests by an expert may include electrical resistance tests (looking for overheated, burned connections) as well as circuit breaker trip tests (these can NOT be safely performed in the electrical panel under normal circumstances and require advice from an expert).
Visible damage to electrical components such as electrical panel bus burn-up, arcing, over-flash, etc. in the electrical panel.
Look for scorch marks on electrical equipment, devices, inside and outside, but
Watch out: do not touch any electrical device or equipment of which you have any doubt or on which you see damage. Rely on your electrician to pursue that damage further.
Physical damage: dislocated breakers, wires, electrical devices in the building due to the physical shock wave from a lightning strike
Need to replace the whole electrical panel - but, as you read
at CHALLENGER ELECTRIC PANELS that panel, like FPE, Zinsco and some other brands, was already considered unsafe and in need of replacement
Loss of safe local electrical grounding due to burning, melting, overheating, or physical dislocation
An electrician can check for proper grounding at receptacles, circuits, etc.
Watch out: the surge caused by a nearby lightning strike can cause serious damage to many building components, electrical, plumbing, even structural and siding, trim, appliances, etc. even if the lightning bolt did not strike the home directly. Even materials that are not obviously part of an electrical damage can be damaged by a lightning strike. (Mall 2009).
Watch out: beyond the actual damage from extremely-high voltage cause by a lightning strike at or near a building, the shock wave can cause physical damage to the structure, ranging from damaged glass or plaster to foundation damage or dislodged electrical or other components.
Watch out: "A house is a safe place to be during a thunderstorm as long as you avoid anything that conducts electricity. " - US National Weather Service, "Lightning Myths", https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-myths
Question: what lightning damage happens at an electrical panel?
2020/04/24 JohnJanicek said:
Read your article on Challenger panels with great interest. What might be the effect of a lightning strike, either direct or indirect on the service feed and ultimately the panel?
Moderator reply: common damage & effects caused by lightning strike near residential electrical systems
Thanks for the question, John.
The effect of a lightning strike on a Challenger electrical panel would probably be about the same as on any residential electrical panel: significant risk of both visible and hidden damage that could make the panel (and / or other electrical wiring, equipment, devices in the building) unsafe, such as the defects listed above on this page.
Research on Lightning Damage to Electrical Systems
Ametani, Akihiro, Kae Matsuoka, Hiroshi Omura, and Yoshiyuki Nagai. "Surge voltages and currents into a customer due to nearby lightning." Electric power systems research 79, no. 3 (2009): 428-435.
Abstract excerpt: This paper presents experimental results of lightning surges incoming into a customer due to lightning to an antenna of the customer, a pole and a ground nearby the customer, and briefly discusses lightning current distribution in the customer, a distribution line and a telephone line.
Colton, F. Barrows, LIGHTNING in ACTION [PDF] National Geographic Magazine, June 1950, provided courtesy of U.S. Forest Service, retrieved 2020/04/25 original source: http://ira.usf.edu/CAM/exhibitions/1998_12_McCollum/supplemental_didactics/14.Colton.pdf
DeCarlo, Brian A., Vladimir A. Rakov, Jason E. Jerauld, George H. Schnetzer, Jens Schoene, Martin A. Uman, Keith J. Rambo et al. "Distribution of currents in the lightning protective system of a residential building—Part I: Triggered-lightning experiments." IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery 23, no. 4 (2008): 2439-2446.
Eaton, Thomas E. "Electric services and building fires." Fire technology 28, no. 1 (1992): 70-86. Abstract:
This paper discusses various issues regarding the supply of electric power and building fires. The scope of the paper is limited to services, service entrances and power supply. Electrical fires involving customer property are rarely caused by electric services or supply problems but instead are usually caused by customer systems and equipment.
Physical evidence of shorting or faulting of the service or service entrance is commonly found at fire scenes but seldom is evidence of fire cause.
Those service-related problems which do create fire hazards involve the customer system, physical damage, lightning, or improper service voltage.
Fire hazards created by the connected service typically willinvolve either lightning or improper service voltage. Electric utilities are responsible for the supply system and for power supply within the system voltage range. Customers are responsible for premises wiring systems.
Etter, Ted, EVALUATING LIGHTNING PROTECTION on LOOKOUTS and COMMUNICATION FACILITIES [PDF] U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Technology & Development Program, Missoula Technology and Development Center5785 Hwy. 10 WestMissoula, MT 59808–9361 Phone: 406–329–3978Fax: 406 –329–3719E-mail: wo_ mtdc_ pubs@fs.fed.us June 2008, retrieved 2020/04/25 original source: https://www.firelookout.org/uploads/3/4/3/2/34327758/lightning-protection.pdf
Gagné, Martin, and Daniel Therriault. "Lightning strike protection of composites." Progress in Aerospace Sciences 64 (2014): 1-16.
Hosokawa, Takeshi, Sigeru Yokoyama, and Tsutomu Yokota. "Study of damages on home electric appliances due to lightning." IEEJ Transactions on Power and Energy 125 (2005): 221-226.
Kern, Alexander, and Frank Krichel. "Considerations about the lightning protection system of mains independent renewable energy hybrid-systems—practical experiences." Journal of Electrostatics 60, no. 2-4 (2004): 257-263.
Key, T. S., Doni Nastasi, Kermit Phipps, and François D. Martzloff. SOME ENLIGHTENING CASE HISTORIES ON LIGHTNING DAMAGE [PDF] In Proceedings 25th International Conference on Lightning Protection–Rhodes. 2000. - retrieved 2020/04/25 original source: https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/pml/div684/Enlightening.pdf
This article points to the importance of proper electrical ground bonding between all of the electrical facilities at a building, such as including the electrical panel, TV cable wiring, telephone wiring, home entertainmenbt systems, etc. The authors cataloged damage to equipment in a lightning-struck home including to a stereo tuner/amplifier, satellite receiver, indoor and outdoor speakers.
Mall, S., B. L. Ouper, and J. C. Fielding. "Compression strength degradation of nanocomposites after lightning strike." Journal of composite materials 43, no. 24 (2009): 2987-3001.
Martzloff, Francois. "On the dispersion of lightning current after a direct flash to a building." In Procs. of ICLP 2000, pp. 429-434. 2000.
Moongilan, Dheena. "Residential solar system bonding and grounding methods for lightning protection." In 2013 IEEE Symposium on Product Compliance Engineering (ISPCE), pp. 1-6. IEEE, 2013.
Nagai, Y. "Lightning surge propagation and lightning damage risk across electric power and communication system in residential house." In The paper of Technical Meeting on Electromagnetic Compatibility, IEE Japan, 2005. 2005.
Rakov, Vladimir A., Martin A. Uman, Mark I. Fernandez, Carlos T. Mata, Keith J. Rambo, Michael V. Stapleton, and Rafael R. Sutil. "Direct lightning strikes to the lightning protective system of a residential building: Triggered-lightning experiments." IEEE Transactions on power delivery 17, no. 2 (2002): 575-586.
Renni, Elisabetta, Elisabeth Krausmann, and Valerio Cozzani. "Industrial accidents triggered by lightning." Journal of hazardous materials 184, no. 1-3 (2010): 42-48.
Krider, E. Philip, BENJAMIN FRANKLIN and LIGHTNING RODS [PDF] Physics Today 59, no. 1 (2006): 42. - retrieved 2020/04/25 source: Citation: Physics Today 59(1), 42 (2006); doi: 10.1063/1.2180176 View online: http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.2180176
"Lightning Fatalities, Injuries, and Damage Reports in the United States from 1959-1994", E. Brian Curran, Ronald L. Holle, Raul E. Lopez, NOAA Technical Memorandum NWS SR-193 October 1997
UL - Underwriters Labs Lightning equipment certification program.
"Underwriters Laboratories Inc. https://www.ul.com/lightning/
(UL) has been testing and certifying lightning protection equipment since 1908. UL issues certificates of conformance for systems, inspecting system components and checking completed installations.
Installations are required to comply with UL's internationally recognized Standards for lightning protection systems. Manufacturers, suppliers and installers demonstrate their commitment to safety by building,
selling and installing only those lightning protection products that pass UL's rigorous testing." -- (Op.Cit.)
ELECTRICAL PANELS, HOW TO INSPECT in buildings, safety for electrical inspectors, electrical panel, fusing, wiring defects, defective products. Inspection Class Presentation
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Citations & References
In addition to any citations in the article above, a full list is available on request.
Portions of this information are based on UL publication 200-81 11/87 and other local service company information about lightning protection systems and lightning strike hazards.
Special thanks to Associated Lightning Rod Company, Cooper Road Box 329A, Millerton NY who has been contributing technical content in presentations
to NY ASHI home inspectors since 1996. Some of that information [on lightning system material and installation details] was edited for clarity. ALRCi can be reached at 518-789-4603, 845-373-8309, 860-364-1498 and will inspect your lightning protection
system at no charge. [We have no financial nor any other business relationship with any company or product discussed at this website--DF]
Lightning strike risk assessment: for the full body of this excellent article which summarizes recent opinions about lightning
strike risk assessment and safe practices for individuals or groups needing to avoid being struck by lightning, see Updated Recommendations for Lightning Safety - 1998 Ronald L. Holle and Raul E. Lopez from National Severe Storms Laboratory,
NOAA and Norman, Oklahoma, Christoph Zimmermann Global Atmospherics, Inc. Tucson, Arizona
As we indicated in an original version of this article, a lightning strike risk assessment guide can be found in Appendix I of the
National Fire Protection Association's Lightning Protection Code, NFPA #780.
The guide considers type of structure, type
of construction, structure location, topography, occupancy, contents and lightning frequency. Contact NFPA, Batterymarch
Park, Quincy, MA 02269 617-770-3000.
Lightning Protection Institute, 3365 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Suite J., Arlington Heights IL 60004
Underwriters Laboratory Standard UL96A. These requirements cover the installation of lightning protection systems on all types of structures other than structures used for the production, handling, or storage of ammunition, explosives, flammable liquids or gases, and other explosive ingredients including dust. These requirements apply to lightning protection systems that are complete and cover all parts of a structure. Partial systems are not covered by this standard. These requirements do not cover the installation of lightning protection systems for electrical generating, distribution, or transmission systems. These requirements do not cover lightning protection components, which are covered by the Standard for Lightning Protection Components, UL 96.
Underwriters Laboratory Standard UL96: These requirements cover lightning protection components for use in the installation of complete systems of lightning protection on buildings and structures. These requirements do not cover the installation of lightning protection components. Products of this type are covered by the Standard for Installation Requirements for Lightning Protection Systems, UL 96A.
"Lightning Awareness," Gerry Schulte, BMW ON magazine, June 2007 pp. 58-60, provided some technical details about lightning, and refers readers to www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/outdoors.htm
Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore. Also see our Book Reviews - InspectAPedia.
Armor Lightning Protection Inc Manchester Center, VT, 802-375-0266
state-of-the-art lightning protection and surge protection for residential and commercial buildings in Vermont, New England, and throughout the Northeast
Associated Lightning Rod Company, Inc., Box 329A, Cooper Road, Millerton, NY 12546 914/373-8309 518/789-4603
A-C Lightning Security, Inc., 2100 East First St., PO Box 329, Maryville MO 64468 816-582-8115 800-821-5575 816-562-2932. In New York, Hudson Valley, contact Christensen Electrical Power Systems, Richard G. Christensen, 518-537-4128.
Lightning Eliminators & Consultants6687 Arapahoe Road Boulder, CO 80303 (303) 447-2828. "Engineering Solutions For Lightning, Grounding and Surge Protection Worldwide Since 1971"
In addition to citations & references found in this article, see the research citations given at the end of the related articles found at our suggested
Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd., 120 Carlton Street Suite 407, Toronto ON M5A 4K2. Tel: (416) 964-9415 1-800-268-7070 Email: info@carsondunlop.com. Alan Carson is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors.
Carson Dunlop Associates provides extensive home inspection education and report writing material. In gratitude we provide links to tsome Carson Dunlop Associates products and services.