If lightening strikes a house, there is usually severe damage because voltage peaks can destroy electric appliances and systems. High temperature (1000sº C) mean a danger of fire. Even if a building is not hit directly, voltage peaks via electric lines can also cause substantial damage. Even with cloud-to-cloud lightening, voltage peaks can result on power and data lines and cause enormous damage.

For lightening protection, observe existing standards, regulations. Information is available from your local professional.

Voltage peak arresters

• On direct lightening strikes, a lightening rod system directs the lightening into the earth. 
• Nevertheless, electromagnetic fields ensue that are a danger for electric installations and appliances. 
• To minimize this danger, protective zones are defined. The complete zone of one distribution panel is such a protective zone.

Installation

• Install near mains connection point. 
• Avoid parallel lines between protected and unprotected installation zones.
• Use short connecting lines and grounding terminals.

Lightening rods

• Use lightening rods of class C with nominal peak current greater than 5 kA. 
• On measures for local protection against voltage peaks (for sensitive devices), adhere to the rules of current technology. 
• In general, voltage peak arresters should be grounded along shortest distances. 
• For optimal protection via lightening rods, ensure carefully installed potential equalization and expert-installed grounding system (foundation grounding).