SupportAs professionals in the power distribution industry, knowing what happens prior to an electrical failure is equally as important to the solutions our products provide. Power outages are a very common issue requiring the assistance of temporary and portable power. The most common causes of power outages stem from inclement weather, one being lightning. The Empire State Building itself sustains an average of 25 lightning strikes per year. On a global scale, records indicate that an average of 16 million lightning-producing thunderstorms occur annually, with a predicted 194 million lightning events in the US in 2021 – an increase of 24 million from 2020.
Power Outages and Lightning Inconveniences
Lightning poses a high risk for power outages during periods of inclement weather, typically during the late spring and summer months. Without a way to power your home during an outage, you and your family will experience inconveniences such as:
- No light, internet, or access to electronic devices
- Inability to operate electric-powered medical equipment
- No heating or cooling
- Limited access to clean water
- Lack of proper waste disposal
- Spoiled food as a result of refrigeration loss
- Potentially damaging electrical surge that could damage electronics
- Potential basement flooding due to sump pump shut-off
Power and Utility companies can sometimes be responsible for the power restoration for thousands of homes, in which case several days or even weeks could go by until your home is back to normal. Fortunately, having a Portable Generator or Standby Generator is a temporary solution until full electrical power is restored.
Lightning Safety
It is of the utmost importance that your emergency or temporary power system is wired and connected properly by a certified electrician to avoid potential safety and operation concerts.. You should check with your state-specific NEC regulations to ensure safe operation of your temporary power system. Connecting your generator to an Automatic or Manual Transfer Switch, is crucial for consumer safety and optimum performance.
As with many debatable issues that will stand the test of time, the topic of lightning is a classic case of Myth vs. Fact. Many of these “philosophical” situations were introduced as early as our childhood. Now, as adults, we’re just recently learning that some of these myths are false, after swearing by them our entire lives. Generally, the process of discovering these truths can be highly amusing (and educational). Let’s see how many Lightning myths you still believe!
Myth #1 – Lightning never strikes twice in the same place.
- FALSE. Lightning often strikes the same place repeatedly anywhere, especially if it’s a tall, pointy, isolated object or building.
Myth #2 – If you’re stuck in a thunderstorm, being under a tree is a safe place for shelter.
- FALSE. Under a tree is quite possibly the worst place to find yourself when you’re stuck in a thunderstorm. If lightning hits the tree you’re standing under, a ground charge could potentially electrocute you due to a residual ground charge that is very likely to result in critical injury or death. Standing under a tree during a thunderstorm is the second leading cause of lightning casualties.
Myth #3 – You will get electrocuted if you make physical contact with a lightning-strike victim.
- FALSE. Because the human body does not store electricity, It is actually perfectly safe to touch a lightning victim to give them first aid.
Myth #4 – Lightning only strikes the tallest objects.
- FALSE. Lightning can strike anywhere regardless of the height of the potential target. For example, lightning may hit the ground or a car before it hits a tall tree or traffic pole nearby.
Myth #5 – You can’t be struck by lightning without clouds in the sky.
- FALSE. Lightning will strike more than three miles from the thunderstorm with potential strikes occurring as far as 10 miles from the storm origin.
Myth #6 – The rubber of car tires will protect you from being struck by lightning.
- FALSE. Although it is true that being in a car will likely protect you, the rubber of the tires isn’t really giving you significant protection. What will protect you more considerably inside of a vehicle is the diversion of lightning as a result of the metal roof and sides of the vehicle.
Myth #7 – Laying flat on the ground outside during a thunderstorm will prevent electrocution.
- FALSE. This is a dangerously false myth. Laying flat on the ground makes you more vulnerable to electrocution, not less. Lightning generates electrical currents along the ground in all directions – which means if you’re laying down, you’re distributing all of your body mass which in turn, puts you at higher risk from ground charge electrocution.
Myth #8 – Surge Protectors can protect the structure of your home against lightning.
- FALSE. Surge protectors are important components of a complete lightning protection system, but can do nothing to protect a structure against a direct lightning strike. Surge protectors are often used to protect hardware and equipment in your home from frying such as computers and televisions.
While a house or building is the safest place you can be during a storm, just going inside isn’t enough. You must avoid any conducting path leading outside, such as electrical appliances, wires, TV cables, plumbing, metal doors, or metal window frames. Don’t stand near a window to watch the lightning. An inside room is generally safe, but a home equipped with a professionally installed lightning protection system is the safest shelter available.
Lightning is only one of many factors that threaten the stability of power and electricity. Temporary Power Supply is more than capable of engineering a solution tailored to your specific needs in an emergent power outage. We are here to help you in any way we can, including custom solutions to optimize your service. Our team of expert engineers and electricians will be more than happy to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. Browse our portable and temporary power products at TemporaryPowerSupply.com or click here to submit an inquiry.