Thunderstorms - how safe are households?

According to a study, the classic lightning rod is the most common installation for professional thunderstorm protection. About 78% of the houses are equipped with an external Lightning rod secured. This was the result of a survey of 1,000 households in Switzerland. The survey was conducted on behalf of Reichelt Elektronik.

But not all properties offer more than the lightning conductor mounted on the roof and facade. Only 61% have internal lightning protection in the residential building, according to the study. According to a statement from Reichelt, experts advise this so-called lightning protection equipotential bonding. It consists of a connection of internal metal installations, heavy current and telecommunications equipment and other grounded parts with the main grounding rail.

Older people pull the plug - but not the young people

Further protective measures like special surge plugs are rather unknown: Only 14% have a surge arrester. What do the Swiss do during thunderstorms to protect their home electronics? Pull the plug. One in two (50%) do so when there is lightning and thunder in the sky. This is basically the right thing to do, because if TVs and other devices remain connected to the power outlet, lightning can destroy them.

However, the everyday tip of "unplugging" varies in prevalence. While 59% of those over 55 pull the plug during thunderstorms, this practice is out among young people. Among 18- to 24-year-olds, only one in three (32%) takes this protective measure.

The Confederates are well aware of the structural shortcomings: 41% plan to retrofit their own premises with appropriate surge protection devices, according to the survey.

Only one in five is insured

If, despite all precautions, home electronics are struck by lightning, most people have to bear the damage themselves, the study warns. Only one in five (21%) have household insurance with protection against surge damage. Among 18- to 24-year-olds, the figure is as high as 84%, who are not adequately insured.

Source: Reichelt Electronics