Did you know that a lightning strike can wreak havoc on your electrical wiring? If lightning strikes near or your home is struck directly by lightning, the resulting power surge can damage the wiring, creating hidden electrical issues that may pose significant risks. Addressing these issues in a timely manner can help safeguard your house and prevent further damage.
In this blog, we’ll review how to test wiring after a lightning strike, providing you with the knowledge you need to protect your home.
Can Lightning Damage Wiring?
Lightning strikes are incredibly powerful bursts of electricity. While most of that energy dissipates harmlessly through the ground, sometimes it can find its way into your home’s wiring through electrical lines or plumbing. This surge of high voltage can damage the insulation around your wires, creating hidden dangers.
How Lightning Can Damage Wiring
The immense electrical current from a lightning bolt can generate super high voltage levels, far beyond what your home electrical system is designed to handle. This high voltage can cause:
- Melted Wiring Insulation: The intense heat from a lightning strike can melt the insulation around wires, exposing the bare metal and creating a fire hazard.
- Damaged Electrical Equipment: Appliances and devices connected to your electrical system might short circuit or fail entirely.
- Hidden Damage: Not all damage is visible immediately. Lightning can weaken the integrity of your wiring, leading to future problems and repairs.
Signs That Lightning Struck Your Home
It’s not always obvious when lightning strikes your home. Some signs to look out for include:
- Flickering or dimming lights
- Strange buzzing or humming noises from electrical equipment
- Burnt or scorched outlets and switches
- A noticeable power surge or electrical malfunction
How to Test Wiring After a Lightning Strike
Now that you know how lightning can damage wiring, it’s vital to know what to do in the aftermath of a storm. Testing your electrical wiring after a lightning strike is critical to identify any damage and prevent potential hazards. Here are some steps and tests you can conduct or have a professional perform:
Conduct a Visual Inspection
Start with a thorough visual inspection of your electrical system. Look for obvious signs of damage, such as:
- Burn marks or discoloration on outlets, switches, and panels
- Melted or damaged wires
- Loose or exposed wiring
A visible inspection can help you identify areas that need further testing or immediate repair.
Use a Megohm Test
A megohm test, also known as insulation resistance testing, is a reliable test to check the integrity of your wiring’s insulation. This test measures the resistance between the electrical conductors and the insulation around them. High resistance indicates good insulation, while low resistance suggests damaged or deteriorated insulation.
Test Circuit Breakers and Fuses
Check your circuit breakers and fuses for any signs of damage. Lightning can cause these components to trip or blow, cutting off power to certain parts of your home. Reset any tripped breakers and replace blown fuses, but if they trip or blow again, it could indicate a deeper issue with your wiring.
Perform a Voltage Test
Using a multimeter, you can test the voltage levels in your electrical outlets. Compare the readings to the normal operating voltage for your home. Any significant deviations could indicate damage caused by the lightning strike.
Check for Hidden Damage
Lightning strikes can cause hidden damage to your wiring, which may not be immediately visible. Consider hiring a licensed electrician to perform a more in-depth inspection and testing.
Why It’s Important to Test Electrical Wiring After a Lightning Strike
Testing your wiring after a lightning strike isn’t just about fixing immediate problems; it’s about preventing future issues. Here are a few reasons why it’s crucial:
Prevent Electrical Fires
Damaged wiring can create hot spots, which can ignite and cause an electrical fire. Testing and repairing any damaged wiring can help prevent this dangerous situation.
Protect Your Appliances
A power surge from a lightning strike can damage your appliances, even if they seem to be working fine initially. When you test your wiring, you can address underlying issues and protect your valuable electronics.
Maintain Home Safety
Faulty wiring can pose serious risks to your home’s safety. Regular testing and maintenance can help you identify and fix issues before they become hazardous.
Why Hire a Professional to Test Your Wiring?
While it can be helpful to know how to test wiring after a lightning strike, there are several compelling reasons to call in a professional electrician:
- Safety First: Electricity is no joke. Working with your home’s electrical system can be dangerous if you’re not qualified. A licensed electrician will have experience testing wires, so you can trust them to handle electrical work in a safe manner.
- Hidden Damage: Remember, the biggest threat from lightning damage is hidden wiring issues within your walls. A megohm test can uncover these problems before they become a serious safety hazard.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing your home’s electrical system is safe and up to code is priceless, especially after a potentially damaging storm. A professional test can give you that peace of mind.
Contact the Houston Electricians at Universal Home Experts!
A lightning strike can have devastating effects on your home’s electrical wiring, posing risks of fire, appliance damage, and safety hazards. Knowing how to test wiring after a lightning strike is important, as it can help you to identify and address any damage.
If you need an electrical inspection in Houston or one of the surrounding areas, contact Universal Home Experts. Our team is here to provide reliable and professional assistance.
Has your home been hit by lightning, or do you suspect electrical damage? Call Universal Home Experts today to schedule your electrical service in Houston, TX! Your safety is our priority.
