Having an earthing connection in your house can significantly reduce the risk of damage to appliances and electrical systems caused by lightning strikes. Earthing, also known as grounding, is a safety measure that provides a low-resistance path for electrical current to flow to the ground, ensuring excess electricity is safely dissipated.
When a lightning strike occurs near your house, there are two primary ways it can affect your appliances:
Direct Strike: If lightning directly strikes your house or a nearby power line, it can cause a power surge that may enter your electrical system. If your house is properly grounded, the excess electricity will be directed to the ground through the earthing connection, minimizing the risk of damage to appliances. However, a powerful direct strike can still cause damage, especially if the surge is exceptionally high.
Indirect Strike: Lightning strikes can induce electrical currents in nearby power lines and other conductive materials. These induced currents can also cause power surges that may affect appliances and electronic devices. Again, proper earthing can help mitigate the impact of these surges.
While earthing is an essential safety feature, it may not provide complete protection against very powerful lightning strikes or extremely high voltage surges. In areas prone to frequent thunderstorms and lightning strikes, additional protective measures, such as surge protectors, can be used to further safeguard your appliances and sensitive electronic devices.
Surge protectors act as a barrier between your appliances and the electrical supply, diverting excess voltage to the ground and preventing it from reaching your devices. It's a good idea to install surge protectors on valuable or sensitive electronics like computers, TVs, and entertainment systems, as well as on appliances with electronic control panels.
In conclusion, having an earthing connection is crucial for safety and can help protect your appliances from lightning-related electrical issues. However, for comprehensive protection, consider using surge protectors, especially in areas with a high risk of lightning strikes. Additionally, during severe thunderstorms, it's advisable to unplug sensitive electronic devices and appliances to further minimize the risk of damage.