Do surge protectors work against lightning?

To answer the question – does a surge protector work against lightning – it is crucial to first gain a general understanding of what a surge protector is and how it functions.

Surge protectors also referred to as surge suppressors, are electronic devices commonly used to protect electrical equipment against voltage fluctuations. However, can they prevent lightning incidents? Here, we will look at how surge protectors work, their shortcomings, and whether they can protect equipment in the event of a lightning strike.

What Causes Power Surges?

Voltage spikes, or transient voltage, as they are sometimes called, are temporary increases in the voltage supply that powers our homes and offices. 

They are typically caused by:

•    Lightning strikes: when the lightning strikes the power system, it puts an additional voltage across the grid. This gets passed along the wires leading to your home. The signal gets transmitted to the wires that lead to your home.

•    Equipment failure - The utility company equipment may have power transformers and wiring, weather damage of poles and lines, a lousy generator, or other failures that can cause spikes.

•    Heavy equipment switching on/off – Large motors, HVAC systems, lighting, etc, cause momentary changes in current during their start and stop cycles.

Surge Protectors – how do They work? 

In simple terms, surge protectors function as a filter or barricade between the electric source and the appliances or devices that need protection. 

Here are the main components:

Clamps and Suppressors

Some special diodes and other components used in the circuits keep the voltage within a specific range that is safe for the circuit. Known as Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs) are very often used.

Safety Disconnect

If the problem persist even with the clamping action put in place, an internal protector will remove the outlet from service to minimize further harm.

Noise Filtration

Filters eliminate electrical noise or line interference that may have a negative effect on the final equipment. 

Safety Features  

Many also have lights showing when they require changing, the length of cords needed to maintain the proper distance between devices, etc.

Limitations of Surge Protectors

1. Max Joule Rating
All the surge protectors have that maximum joule rating to measure their effectiveness. This tells us how much energy it can store in one go or how much power it can deliver in a single shot. How much more dangerous is lightning than these levels is evident from the fact that lightning may be multiple times higher than these levels.

2. On the condition that it only protects again the current/voltage issues of the present
Surge protectors are relatively powerless when it comes to dealing with extreme electromagnetic forces, power surges, and the frequency variations that are characteristic of a lightning strike.

3. Yet Permits Some Level of Spike Through
But they are not able to prevent all of it from going through to other connected devices that are stable. If the above event occurs over multiple strikes, this is possible.

4. Don't Prevent Lightning Strikes
Surge protectors are not able to prevent lightning from striking your building or entering power lines in the slightest. It's all they can do to mitigate the effects on society.

Does a Surge Protector Shield the Equipment from a Direct Lightning Strike?

To cut the long answer: No, they can't protect your building from direct lightning strikes. Even the best surge protectors would be ineffective if lightning strikes the building directly. The residual energy puts excess power into protectors and related equipment. 

Sometimes, it is best to call an electrician to do the work for you.

If a direct lightning strike occurs in your house or establishment, then an electrician must check things out, despite being non-problematic with electronic appliances. The electrical energy can cause harm to the power lines, meters, wiring among other attributes that may not be easily identified.

Signs you need to call an electrician include: 

- Damaged wiring or appliances that will trip out after a storm or fade the fuses
- Fluorescent lighting that may appear to be ‘blinking’ or ‘fading’ after a lightning strike
- Fire or unusual smells coming from the electrical appliances
- Physical indications such as blackened wires or split face plates

It’s helpful to have the electrician really go through your electrical system and make sure there are no dangerous current leaks or grounding issues that could lead to a fire or electrocution. They have equipment that can diagnose whether lightning caused harm to equipment that may be located within structures and even those that are buried.

In conclusion, while most surge protectors offer protection against surges, they cannot protect against direct lightning strikes. But they still provide some degree of protection from nearby hits and spikes in pressure. 

To ensure the optimal security of your home and electronics to lightning surge, you require more enhanced with lightning surge protection systems installed and placed appropriately. In the case of a direct lightning strike on your building, seek the services of an electrician before switching on any of the electrical devices that are connected to the house’s electrical system.