Quote:
Originally Posted by Shimpy
Apparently Lightning seeks to go to the ground. Why doesn't it just go to the ground? I don't understand "incoming AC mains".
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Lightning always goes to earth. Lightning strikes wires highest on a telephone pole. What is the shortest electrical connection to earth? Incoming on your AC electric wires. Through your home’s black (hot) wires that connect to every appliance. The out an appliance to earth via many other connections. For example, what is a shortest path to earth via the computer? Through your TV or computer network, and then to earth via a telephone or cable TV wire.
Incoming AC mains - the wire that connects your house to a nearby nuclear or coal burning power plant. The shortest connection to earth is down the street, through your appliances, to earth. Or the shortest connection to earth is harmlessly via a 'whole house' protector ... if that protector is properly earthed. An earthed 'whole house' protector means lightning need not find earth destructively via your air conditioner, stove, dishwasher, or lawn irrigation system.
Surge damage means a homeowner all but inviting a direct lighthing strike to go hunting for earth via his appliances.