My observation following these LPS forums. Lightning has a mind of its own. It strikes when and where it wants to strike. Having a LPS, or not, seems to NOT matter when/where/damage from a strike that may occur. It appears your house will have a higher chance of surviving a lightning strike, with a LPS installed. Tho it does not/will not guarantee no damage. As it seems the structure will survive better, tho the electrical system may still take a hit.
No whole house surge protection will help with a direct hit on the dwelling, as a direct strike has bypassed those devices, and may still fry them on a direct house strike as the electricity try’s to back feed out of the house.
Bottom line? For me, I will have a house LPS installed by next rainy season. While a direct lightning strike may cause issues with plugged in equipment, a LPS seems to at least help in not getting catastrophic damage to the dwelling. Catastrophic damage usually leave you homeless while insurance takes their time, then finding a reputable builder to actually FIX the damage.
I will not get the Ring, as a new build already has a whole house surge protection device already installed by Code. I will be installing a point of use surge protection on all expensive devices plugged in. TV’s, refrigerator, oven, washer/dryer, water system, the HVAC will have its own surge protection on its outdoor electrical box.
Clear as mud, I know.
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