Q. How does lightning form?
A. Lightning, a flow of electrical current between the earth and storm clouds, occurs as varying charges of positive and negative polarity build up in the atmosphere during a storm and begins to ionize the air. As more air is ionized and the result is a conductive path to earth. A discharge or current sent rushing toward the earth. As this downward force nears the earth's surface, positive charges rise up to meet it from many objects at earth level. As the negatively charged stepped leader thrusts toward the ground readying to discharge its energy, its path is erratic. Nearing the earth, positive charges are attracted by it and begin to arc upward from roof edges, lighting poles, antennas, etc. When any of these two opposing charge systems meet, they create a closed circuit. As the path to the ground is completed, a flash is created. This can occur several times as the cloud will recharg at a rapid rate.
Q. What happens when a building is struck by lightning?
A. A lightning strike to an unprotected building can be catastrophic. Packing up to 100 million volts of electricity and a force comparable to that of a small nuclear reactor, lightning has the power to rip through roofs, explode walls of brick and concrete and ignite deadly fires. In addition to structural damage, lightning surges throughout power lines causing wire damage and destruction of valuable electronic equipment including computers, televisions, stereos, security systems, etc.
Q. How does a certified lightning protection system work?
A. A lightning protection system provides a designated path for the lightning current to travel. The system neither attracts nor repels a lightning strike, but simply intercepts and guides the current harmlessly to ground.
