Community Forums

Gary - K7GLD · 08-19-2010, 01:36 PM

Quote:

I keep reading about the value of the rubber tires as insulators in a lightening bolt

That bolt of lightening has passed through thousands of feet of air, you think a little rubber spacer of what. perhaps 4-6 inches is even going to matter?

YUP - my sentiments EXACTLY!

Best and most practical suggestion, is to disconnect from shore power - even a strike MILES away can send spikes that can kill lots of electric/electronic stuff in your RV if you remain connected to the mains.

Pretty much all else is a crap-shoot...

chiefdave · 08-20-2010, 05:18 AM

If you would like to check your lightning knowledge here's a link to a short 5 question test regarding this subject. Best of luck!
Lightning Safety Quiz

While cars are a very safe place to be, it is not the tires that protect you! This is a very common misconception. It is actually the metal that is surrounding you that affords the protection. This is due to something called the Skin Effect which says that electricity, like lightning, will travel only on the surface of enclosed metal objects. So while your car may be hit by lightning, as long as you stay inside, you are safe. This is of course provided that you have a metal car that is not a convertible. Incidently, your tires would have to be about a mile thick and made of solid rubber to afford you adequate protection.

azloafer · 08-20-2010, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiefdave

If you would like to check your lightning knowledge here's a link to a short 5 question test regarding this subject. Best of luck!
Lightning Safety Quiz

While cars are a very safe place to be, it is not the tires that protect you! This is a very common misconception. It is actually the metal that is surrounding you that affords the protection. This is due to something called the Skin Effect which says that electricity, like lightning, will travel only on the surface of enclosed metal objects. So while your car may be hit by lightning, as long as you stay inside, you are safe. This is of course provided that you have a metal car that is not a convertible. Incidentally, your tires would have to be about a mile thick and made of solid rubber to afford you adequate protection.

You are right about the tires. I was told the same thing by an electric company employee. Joe

RV Wizard · 08-21-2010, 02:52 AM

One thing about electricity (static or kinetic) is that it is going to take the path of least resistance. The goal would be to make yourself more resistant than surrounding area. A direct hit (for lack of a better word) will be very destructive, possibly even deadly. One of the things I did when full timing was to research the area's weather and avoid those places when bad weather was at it's peak there.