A lightning bolt has one goal: to find the path of least resistance between the sky and the ground. A typical home has many opportunities to facilitate this movement, particularly the electrical system. If your home is struck by lightning, you should contact an electrician to check for damage as soon as possible. Below, learn about a few common types of lightning damage, as well as ways to prevent it.

Types of Damage to Electrical Systems & Devices

When lightning strikes, it can travel through electrical wiring, causing the wires to overheat and sparking fires anywhere along the circuit. This can also lead to dangerous power surges that damage the circuit and anything connected to it. 

Electronic devices are especially vulnerable, as they contain control panels, circuit boards, digital displays, and other embedded electrical components that may then absorb the lightning strike and continue its destructive path. So, ultimately, lightning can destroy your wiring, breaker box, outlets, and other electrical components and devices and dramatically increase the risk of a house fire.

How to Prevent Damage

There are ways to minimize the chance of lightning related damage to your electrical systems. First, use surge protectors. Surge protectors work by diverting extra voltage to guarantee that all devices have a consistent power level. While they don't provide 100% protection, they can significantly lower the risk of a surge or fire in a lightning event.

If you live in an area prone to lightning storms, you may want to consider having an electrician install a home lightning protection system. Popular options include air terminals, down-conductors, and grounding units, as well as whole-house surge protectors for electrical panels. Finally, pay attention to weather reports. If thunderstorms are predicted, unplug as many electronics and large appliances as you can.

To explore your lightning prevention solutions in more detail, contact Gutridge Electric Inc. Since 1983, their electricians have been serving the Licking and Muskingum County, OH, areas. They provide comprehensive electrical installations and repairs for residential and commercial customers. They are a family owned and operated business, fully licensed and insured, and are rated A+ with the Better Business Bureau. Call (740) 349-7624 to request a quote or visit their website to browse their electrical services.