For smart home owners, the risk of damage from lightning strikes is real. Lightning can generate up to 200 kA of electrical energy, which can cause fires and electrical surges in homes, Proud Green Home reports.
"Lightning can initiate a domino effect path of transient overvoltage which can disrupt, degrade and damage multiple electronic systems and connected equipment, making lightning protection systems significantly important for smart structures,” said Bud VanSickle, executive director for the Lightning Protection Institute (LPI).
To battle the bolts, the consumer advocate group Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) is documenting project construction and compiling a comprehensive manual for rebuilding a resilient home. Also, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is adding technical provisions to the new edition of the NFPA 780 Safety Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems.
