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Norfolk District

It was a dark and stormy evening…

June 22, 2009
By Charles W. Johnson
Virginia Master Electrician, Electrical Engineering Technician, Norfolk District Cost Engineering

It was Friday evening, June 12. I was aware of thunder and lightning in the distance as a storm had built up during the early evening hours and was approaching our direction.

My wife, Charlene and I had just retired for the evening and were settling in for a good night's sleep, or so we thought? Suddenly, a tremendous flash of light erupted, followed by a very loud BANG! A bolt of lightning had struck our house. It sounded like it had struck in our bedroom. When my vision cleared, I realized that the house smoke detectors were screaming in unison and most of the house lights were out. I noticed the nightlight in the hallway on; a few other lights and lamps were still on as well, so I knew we still had power.

I made my way to the garage, checked the circuit panel and discovered that all the GFI circuit breakers had tripped. A few receptacle circuits had tripped as well; however, the main circuit breaker was still on. I re-set the tripped breakers and power to my lights and outlets was restored. I then went on an inspection outside, as I was now aware of how close the lightning strike had been. When I came back inside, I checked all the walls for heat. I didn't want an electrical fire smoldering inside any of the walls.

Very early Saturday morning, I began to take stock of the damage. Nearly all of the satellite TV receivers were inoperable; my garage door opener failed; and worst of all, our new 42-inch plasma TV wouldn't function. Fortunately, we purchased an extended warranty. After my inventory, I determined that any electronic device that was turned "on" and unprotected when the lightning struck was dead. Any system that had been turned "off" was still operational, such as our new laptop and the old, big screen TV. I also discovered that devices equipped with a "surge suppressor," like my router, wireless LAN and one satellite receiver, were working just fine.

This incident taught me that I had been "rolling the dice" for the past 5 years by not providing adequate storm surge protection for all my electrical/electronic equipment.

Today, more everyday household devices are digitally controlled: washers and dryers, microwaves, dishwashers, toaster-ovens, in addition to computer systems, televisions and DVD/DVR devices. Surge suppressor power strips will definitely help protect these type home electronic devices.

The best description I've heard of a storm surge is, "It's a tsunami of current flowing through your electrical systems in a micro-second." A circuit breaker will not react fast enough to clamp the current wave and protect your equipment.

After the lightning strike, I researched lightning power surge protection and there are now whole-house surge suppression devices available for under $100. Attach the device to a two-pole circuit breaker in your power panel (Eaton Model # CHSPmicro, rated at 1920 joules and 120,000 Amps) and it will provide whole-house storm surge suppression for many years.

After purchasing the device, I now enjoy peace of mind.

Editor's Note: Each year in the United States, more than 400 people are struck by lightning. On average, between 55 and 60 people are killed; hundreds of others suffer permanent neurological disabilities. Most of these tragedies can be avoided with a few simple precautions. When thunderstorms threaten, get to a safe place.

The following information and websites will provide you with the knowledge necessary to stay safe during a thunder and lightning event, as well as provide you with homeowner's safety tips that are easy to implement.

Stay safe while inside

Phone use is the leading cause of indoor lightning injuries in the United States. Lightning can travel long distances in both phone and electrical wires, particularly in rural areas. Stay away from windows and doors as these can provide the path for a direct strike to enter a home. Do not lie on the concrete floor of a garage as it likely contains a wire mesh. In general, basements are a safe place to go during thunderstorms. However, there are some things to keep in mind. Avoid contact with concrete walls, which may contain metal reinforcing bars. Avoid washers and dryers since they not only have contacts with the plumbing and electrical systems, but also contain an electrical path to the outside through the dryer vent.

Remember your pets

You may want to consider the safety of your family pets during thunderstorms. Doghouses are not lightning-safe. Dogs that are chained to trees or wire runners can easily fall victim to a lightning strike.

Protect your personal property

Lightning also causes significant damage to personal property each year. In addition to direct strikes, lightning generates electrical surges that can damage electronic equipment some distance from the actual strike. Typical surge protectors will NOT protect equipment from a lightning strike. To the extent possible, unplug any appliances or electronic equipment from all conductors well before a thunderstorm threatens. This includes not only the electrical system, but also the reception system. If you plan to be away from your home when thunderstorms are possible, be sure to unplug unneeded equipment before you leave. Do not unplug equipment during a thunderstorm as there is a risk you could be struck.

Summary of lightning safety tips for inside the home

• Stay OFF corded phones. You can use cellular or cordless phones.
• Don't touch electrical equipment or cords. Unplug electronic equipment before the storm arrives.
• Avoid plumbing. Do not wash your hands, take a shower or wash dishes.
• Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches. Do not lie on concrete floors and do not lean against concrete walls.

Homeowner's Safety Tips:
http://www.onebeacon.com/content_resources.aspx?mnuid=5.6.1&expand=1&id=170

National Lightning Safety:
http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/more.htm