Are lightning protection systems worth it?

Home-owners can guard against lightning-caused fires, but the price of protection may not be worth it. Summer is the busiest time for lightning activity, experts said. The key is to transfer the lightning’s electrical energy to the ground without causing fires or power surges.

Do lightning rods on houses really work?

Lightning rods intercept this voltage, providing a safe path for lightning current into the ground. They do not decrease the likelihood your home may be struck, but provide a direct path to ground, preventing damage to your home from fire, explosion, and electrical surges that can result from lightning strikes.

What does lightning protection do?

Lightning protection systems and strike termination devices (rods) simply intercept a lightning strike and provide a safe and effective path that takes lightning’s harmful electricity to ground.

How do you prevent your house from getting struck by lightning?

Here are four ways to protect your home from lightning:

1. Use a home lightning protection system.
2. Unplug electronics and appliances.
3. Install transient voltage surge suppressors.
4. Check your homeowners and renters insurance coverage.

Why don’t they put lightning rods on houses anymore?

Lightning, or electricity, is searching for the quickest route to the ground. Lightning rods do not attract lightning, but if lightning strikes the rod or very near the rod, it will choose to take the path of least resistance. That is why a single lightning rod may be inadequate for good protection.

How much does it cost to install lightning protection?

Installing lightning protection systems in the home costs between $435 and $2,556, averaging most homeowners $1,494. The cost ranges from $100 for just a surge protector to over $3,000 for rods and grounding system. A single lightning bolt is hotter than the surface of the sun.

Do modern houses need lightning rods?

Most residential homes don’t need lightning protection. However, if you have the following conditions then a lightning rod and lightning protection makes sense: You live in an area with a high frequency of lightning strikes. The home is tall.