6 Questions to Ask About Installing Lightning Protection

Lightning can strike at any time, but some homes are more at risk of getting hit than others. Installing a lightning protection system won't keep lightning away, but it will minimize any damage. When talking to a local electrician, be ready for these common lightning protection questions.

1. What's your home's size?

The taller your home, or the more stories it has, the less distance lightning has to travel to hit it, meaning the more at risk it is of being struck. An electrician will also want to know your home's square footage, so they can design a lightning protection system that thoroughly shields your home. 

2. What's around your property?

The more isolated your home is, the more at-risk it is for being hit by lightning. If taller buildings are nearby or there are plenty of trees on your property, lightning may hit them before it gets to your house. If you have just a few trees around your home, you may want to consider installing a protection system on them to reduce any damage should the trees get struck by lightning.

3. What type of lightning protection system is right for you?

Two types of lightning protection systems exist: rod-style systems (invented by Benjamin Franklin) and Early Streamer Emission (ESE) Air Terminals, which produce a stream of ions into the air and are typically used on larger buildings. The system that's right for your home will depend on its size and several other factors, which an electrician will review with you.

4. What is your budget for the project?

Be ready to discuss your budget for the project with the electrician. The average cost to install a lightning protection system is $1,550. The type of system, the size of your home, and local labor costs will all affect the final price tag. ESE systems are usually more expensive than Franklin-style lightning rods. However, your home most likely won't need the more expensive type of lightning protection system unless your area is prone to bad storms.

5. When do you need this work done?

Ideally, you'll have your new lightning protection system installed before storm season starts in your area. Give the electrician an idea of your timeline so they can confirm if it works with their current schedule and workload. Since lightning protection systems are preventative, it's unlikely you'll need to have a new system installed in an emergency situation. If you're upgrading or replacing an older system, you may want to have it fixed as soon as possible.

6. What else can you do to protect your home from lightning?

You may be weighing the pros and cons of installing a lightning rod, but your home may not need one. There are other steps that can help protect your home from excess electrical charges. For example, installing a surge protection system can be a good idea if you'd like to protect your electronics from nearby lightning strikes or other power issues during a storm.