Thunderstorms and Lightning Protection Systems

Thunderstorms

Thunderstorms are caused by a powerful clash between cold and warm weather air masses. As varying charges of positive and negative energy build up preceding and during a storm, the result is a discharge of negative energy sent rushing to the ground. The lightning flash from thunderstorms, which occurs as a closed circuit, is formed from earth to sky. As downward forces or strokes rush toward the earth, positive strokes from edges of buildings, chimneys and trees strain up to meet them.

Protecting Property from Lightning Strikes

A lightning protection system is designed to control or force the lightning discharge on a specified path, thereby eliminating the chance of fire or explosion within nonconductive parts of the house such as those made of wood, brick, tile, etc. A lightning protection system does not prevent a lightning strike, but provides a safe path on which the lightning current can safely be directed to the ground. Most importantly, a lightning protection system will not attract a bolt of lightning.

Each year thousands of thunderstorms occur, as a result, thousands of homes and other properties are destroyed or damaged by lightning strikes. Unprotected homes risk the possibility of damage by fire, explosions or electrical surges. Personal injury can occur in an unprotected house which has been struck by a lightning bolt. The effects of such a lighting strike can be both physically and emotionally devastating.