Lightning damage has been around since the industrial age and is still around today in electric arc flashes or lightning strikes. These electrical pulses are caused by lightning-stricken nearby electrical equipment (usually power lines) to overload the circuits and ultimately shorted out the equipment. Although these electric shocks rarely kill anyone instantly, they can be extremely dangerous and expensive to repair. Hence, it is advisable to seek immediate professional help from a qualified electrician in an electrical emergency.
The majority of people who suffer the direct consequences of lightning don’t seek the advice of an electrician right away because they believe that another piece of equipment will easily replace a piece of equipment damaged by lightning. The fact is that all electronics equipment is not the same, and even if you do get your equipment back to work, there could be some expensive repairs that you will have to deal with. It is in your best interests to seek advice from your local fire department or electrician to ensure that you get the best value for your money.
When lightning damage strikes, it usually happens in the presence of several large appliances. Such appliances include refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, heaters, washers, televisions, and many other items. When such large appliances are affected, they will experience surges in their voltage that can cause them to overheat, which can result in surges in electrical currents. As a result, they will often trigger excessive surges in your electric bill that can wipe out any small investment you have made in protecting such expensive electronic controls.
When the voltage level surge reaches a particular threshold, the electronics within the area can be destroyed. These electronic controls are usually sensitive, and when lightning strikes, they can short circuit or melt plastic components. Such damage can occur when lightning strikes outside of your home and therefore outside of your control. It can also happen inside your home during a thunderstorm and even when you are in your bedroom.
There are different ways in which lightning damage can occur, and the frequency of such occurrences will vary based upon the location of where the storms occur and whether or not there is a risk of lightning strikes in the area. If a basement is situated below an electrical distribution center or a utility substation, this area will be more susceptible to lightning strikes. It will be terrible news if a basement floor is wet with water during a thunderstorm, as such floors are highly susceptible to such electrical surges. This is especially true when the basement floor is a part of a basement remodeling project.
Most of these lightning strikes will happen during the construction phase of a home and the period before installing new home appliances. Home electronics, such as televisions, are susceptible electronics. If there is a power surge during the installation process or while the appliance is still in use, such electronics can be severely damaged. In addition, the surge can also affect things like the home’s wiring system. The surge can cause shorts in the wiring or break down the electrical system altogether.
While some people can repair their own electronics after suffering from lightning damage, most people are not so fortunate. The best thing to do to avoid the need for an expensive electrical panel is to install a grounded electrical panel around the house. This will prevent serious problems such as surges and shorts from occurring. An electrical panel should be installed by a qualified electrician who is licensed and has the proper training to do so.
If you are one of those unfortunate victims of lightning damage who needs to pay for the damages out of your own pocket, then your first step should be to contact your insurance company. Contacting your insurance company will enable you to see what kind of coverage your home has under your existing policy. Some insurance companies offer discounts to homeowners who have installed special lightning protection devices. You may also qualify for a lightning protection system that can be installed professionally. Whether you choose to install an electrician or opt for a lightning protection system, consulting with an electrician about the best way to protect yourself against a lightning strike is a good idea.
