Caught Off Guard by a Storm? Here's What to Do If Your Lightning Protection System Fails
If you suspect your lightning protection system failed during a storm, here's exactly what to do next — and what to leave to a professional.
Why the System Matters in the First Place
A lightning protection system is designed to divert a strike safely into the ground using rods, conductors, and a grounding system working together. Without a properly functioning system, a building is exposed to electrical surges, fire risk, structural damage, and physical harm to anyone inside.
Signs the System May Have Failed
Visible damage to rods, cables, or connectors after a storm; a power surge or damaged equipment during or right after lightning activity; loose, corroded, or improperly installed grounding rods; or new leaks and damage near your roof or ceiling can all point to a system that didn't do its job.
Step One: Stay Safe First
During the storm itself, avoid using electrical devices and stay away from windows and conductive materials like pipes and wiring. Once the storm has passed, you can visually check for obvious damage — but don't attempt repairs yourself. Working on lightning protection or electrical components without training is genuinely dangerous.
Step Two: Call a Professional for an Inspection
A qualified contractor will inspect the rods, conductors, and grounding components for damage, test the grounding system for continuity, repair or replace damaged parts with UL-listed materials, and perform a final check to confirm the system is fully functional again.
Step Three: Get a Full Inspection Even Without Visible Damage
Corrosion and wear can reduce a system's effectiveness without leaving anything obvious to see from the ground. A comprehensive inspection covers every component, not just the parts that are easy to spot.
Step Four: Don't Wait for the Next Storm to Call
The longer a compromised system goes unrepaired, the longer your property is exposed. Lightning doesn't wait for a convenient time, and a malfunctioning system offers no real protection in the meantime.
Preventing the Next Failure
Have your system professionally inspected on a typically annual basis, keep rods and conductors clear of leaves, branches, and overhanging limbs, and consider an upgrade if your system is old or was never brought up to current practice. RS Lightning Protection serves Ohio, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and West Virginia — call 1-866-415-2231 to schedule an inspection or repair.
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