How lightning damages electronics when surge protection is installed.

The most common reason is that lightning did not take the path which we protected. Our security, fire, access control, close circuit TV or access control systems are hardwired with numerous wired devices. Each device becomes a portal like an antenna which lightning can enter. While we attempt to protect power, telephone line and high-speed Internet connections, it is difficult to put a surge protector on every system device.

A far more significant reason is the example of putting on a football helmet and walking out onto railroad tracks. The football helmet will not protect you from the freight train. But, if someone were to hit you in the head with a baseball bat, the helmet could save your life. The same analogy can be given of surge protection. It can protect against most common surges, but nothing stops a direct hit from lightning.

What then is the best solution? In repeated lightning strike locations, a lightning rod could do the job. A lightning rod in a tall tree close to your home or business is reported as a viable solution to draw any lightning bolt to it that would strike within 100 feet of the tree. This gives the lightning a path to the ground, its desired destination. So, if we draw lightning to a nearby tree that is grounded with a ground rod, we divert the lightning away from the home or business. Some tree companies sell lightning rods to protect trees.

Another solution is to add surge protection for each household appliance and all electronics. In addition, add a BUPS (Backup power supply) for your computers. Like a shock absorber for your car, this will help protect against dirty power (voltage fluctuations) and surges. Some companies like Play Technology in Bluffton offer whole house surge protection for everything electrical. Custom Security had Play install this at our office in an attempt to stop power surges such as lightning before it enters our office.

For more information on surge protection or how you can protect your business or home, feel free to contact my daughter, Robin, at 843-342-9899.

Bob All

Owner- Custom Security Specialists Inc.