[jrref]

For cable surge protection you can install these on the main cable line coming into your home or at every cable device you have such as your cable modem and TVs. There will be some small loss through these devices but they will work.
Amazon.com

The other option is to use this device since it has more supression capacity but you need to be very careful replacing the gas discharge tube since you can push it into the barrel very easily. If you need to remove the gas tube from the unit, place the unit on a flat surface with the port facing up and be aware that it could possibly fall inside the unit.
Amazon.com

[jrref]

Originally Posted by MrLindy

The statement concerning "No Lightning Protection in the Villages" is NOT correct!

Many homes DO HAVE Lightning protection installed. Look on/at the roof tops on homes - and you see those with protection will usually have small rods located usually on the corners and other points along the roof.

There is a local company that install the systems - and they are certified by a National Lightning Rod association.

Also, SURGE protection is NOT the same thing as Lightning protection.

You may consider calling "Triangle Lightning Protection" at: (352) 483-7020 to see if they may help you.

Thanks for this because most don't realize and or understand these facts here in the Villages.

[Babubhat]

Buy or don’t. You have homeowners insurance. Too much pointless handwringing. It’s a remote possibility but people feel the need to buy. Vendors selling fear of the unknown

[jrref]

Originally Posted by Babubhat

Buy or don’t. You have homeowners insurance. Too much pointless handwringing. It’s a remote possibility but people feel the need to buy. Vendors selling fear of the unknown

Have you ever spoken to someone who had major damage and had to deal with their insurance company? Apparently not.

This is thread is to create awareness and state the facts for those interested.

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by jrref

Have you ever spoken to someone who had major damage and had to deal with their insurance company? Apparently not.

This is thread is to create awareness and state the facts for those interested.

Be honest, the purpose of this thread is to try to convince more Villagers to make a purchase. There have been so many threads on this and the LPS topic that anyone with a ToTV account is already aware.

[jrref]

Originally Posted by Bill14564

Be honest, the purpose of this thread is to try to convince more Villagers to make a purchase. There have been so many threads on this and the LPS topic that anyone with a ToTV account is already aware.

To even be more honest, there is no way for you to know this but we are still getting an overwhelming number of requests for information on the subject which is why I created a group on Next Door. Nextdoor in addition to the threads here on TOTV.

Some may see it as a business opportunity, and it is for those companies offering these services but for everyone else it's explaining the facts, the myths, and where to get help if needed. Unless you have met a Villager who's life was altered by a lightning event where not only was their home destroyed but all their personal belongings gone, it will be very hard to relate how serious this risk can be and how important it is to discuss it during the storm season we have here in Central Florida so that Villagers can make an informed decision which will be best for their situation. I hope that no one here ever gets hit by lightning or a power surge caused by a strike and there is a good chance you won't but at least for those who do care, they have the resources to take any or no action. Hope this helps.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by jrref

To even be more honest, there is no way for you to know this but we are still getting an overwhelming number of requests for information on the subject which is why I created a group on Next Door. Nextdoor in addition to the threads here on TOTV.

Some may see it as a business opportunity, and it is for those companies offering these services but for everyone else it's explaining the facts, the myths, and where to get help if needed. Unless you have met a Villager who's life was altered by a lightning event where not only was their home destroyed but all their personal belongings gone, it will be very hard to relate how serious this risk can be and how important it is to discuss it during the storm season we have here in Central Florida so that Villagers can make an informed decision which will be best for their situation. I hope that no one here ever gets hit by lightning or a power surge caused by a strike and there is a good chance you won't but at least for those who do care, they have the resources to take any or no action. Hope this helps.

Who is this "we" that you speak of?

[jrref]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

Who is this "we" that you speak of?

The Villages Lightning Study Group.

[deborah.pfau@outlook.com]

I'm not sure why some people are complaining about the information in this forum. I found it very informative, and I learned some things I never knew about lightning and surge protection. Keep new information coming. I think it's especially helpful for newcomers to The Villages who are just finding out about lightning and surge protection.

[Aces4]

Originally Posted by Babubhat

Buy or don’t. You have homeowners insurance. Too much pointless handwringing. It’s a remote possibility but people feel the need to buy. Vendors selling fear of the unknown

And some won't even buy insurance, too much hand wringing involved. Nothing new, of course, there is always go fund me, right?

[Aces4]

Originally Posted by jrref

The Villages Lightning Study Group.

I think anybody who follows the threads on this subject knew that answer.

[jrref]

For those interested in lightning protection and are getting estimates. I put together a ten point list on what to ask the installer when getting an estimate. I know some of this for some here is repetitive but I'm posting the list because I've got a lot of interest on my NextDoor group for this information recently.
>>>
If you use a LPI certified or non-certified installer, you want to ask the following questions when you contract with them:
1) Do they follow the NFPA 780 Standard for installing lightning protection systems?
2) Do they use UL certified components, meaning wire, air terminals, ground rods and connectors?
3) Do they use all copper components? Aluminum is a cheaper option and is appropriate in certain circumstances but copper can be re-used when you eventually replace your roof.
4) How many ground rods will be installed and what length? They should install three to four ground rods depending on the size of your home. 10ft rods may be fine depending on your soil but 20ft will be better for most soil variations here in the Villages. The concern is although the Villages tries to build your home on good solid ground with a good soil mixture, some areas may have soil that is sandier than others and require longer ground rods to get to the less than 25-ohm specification.
5) Do they test all ground rods to verify they have less than 25 ohms resistance to earth ground. The installer should provide you with a report for each rod tested?
6) If they use 10ft ground rods make sure you see a report that all rods are less than 25 ohms to earth ground. If any are out of spec, you can ask and pay for an additional 10ft to get the rod in specification, less than 25 ohms.
7) Will air terminals will have at least 2 paths to ground?
8) Do they bond everything metal on the roof such as attic and dryer vents, and your HVAC, pool and spa equipment? Bonding means connecting to your earth grounding system.
9) What type of roofing connectors do they use? Is there any guarantee if there is a leak and for how long? Do they use any sealants used to prevent leaks?
10) What is their recommended maintenance interval is and how much it will cost? You should have your system checked every 3-5 years.
<<<

[bmcgowan13]

Originally Posted by jrref

Have you ever spoken to someone who had major damage and had to deal with their insurance company? Apparently not.

This is thread is to create awareness and state the facts for those interested.

LPS increases one's comfort level. Like a security alarm system for some. I spent $3,500 for a whole house alarm system in Orlando. Nobody broke in for 13 years we were there. Was that a waste of money? To some--yes. But we had the piece of mind when for 13 years when I was working overnights or we were away from town knowing the house was secure.

That is why we installed a whole house surge from PIKE, LPS, SECO meter surge, and surge protectors on big ticket appliances. We attend a workshop at a Rec Center and listened to the presentation. We had a another outside garage breaker trip in the storm two nights ago. Lightning is real in the area and we are grateful of the member resources at the clubs to help us understand these complex issues.

If you don't want a system--skip the topic! Don't click into the topic on local Indian restaurants and only opine how much you hate Indian food and it's a waste of money. SMH

Thanks to the clubs--we are glad you are here to provided education and resources.

[jrref]

Many Villagers now asking this question: Is Longer Better when it comes to a LPS ground rod system?

From AI:
A 20-foot ground rod is better for a lightning protection system because the longer rod provides a more effective connection to earth, reducing ground resistance, especially in less-than-ideal soil conditions. While a standard 8–10-foot rod may suffice in some soil, a longer rod ensures the system can properly dissipate a lightning strike's energy. However, the ideal length depends on soil conditions and a professional risk assessment should be conducted for optimal protection.
Why a longer rod is better:
• Lower Ground Resistance:
A longer rod provides more contact with the earth, which helps to lower the overall resistance of the grounding system, allowing for better dissipation of the lightning's energy.
• Improved Effectiveness:
In sandy or rocky soils, where moisture content is low, a longer rod makes a more significant difference in establishing a reliable connection to the earth.
Factors influencing the choice:
• Soil Type:
The depth and effectiveness of the grounding rod are heavily influenced by the soil's characteristics. In areas with dry or shallow soil, a longer rod is more crucial.
• Risk Analysis:
The best practice is to conduct a risk analysis to determine the appropriate level of protection needed for a structure, which helps in selecting the correct components, including ground rod length.

If you want to make it easy, always ask for a ground rod resistance test at the conclusion of your install and verify that each ground rod has a resistance less than 25 ohms. Higher readings can work, just the rod won't be as effective in the event of a strike. Typically, an installer will use a clamp-on meter to read the resistance to earth ground for each ground rod.

[Normal]

Lightning protection should never be installed on a new home. In the Villages, your roof warranty is automatically terminated if anyone puts a hole in your roof. This includes solar heaters, lightning protection systems and solar tubes.