May 2025 Newsletter: Lightning Protection Myth Buster: Debunking Common Misconceptions About Staying Safe
When it comes to lightning, there’s no shortage of myths—and unfortunately, many of them could leave your property and loved ones vulnerable. Whether you’ve installed a lightning protection system or are considering one, it’s time to separate fact from fiction.
In this article, we’re busting the most common myths surrounding lightning and lightning protection systems in South Africa. Let’s make sure you’re not putting your safety at risk by believing any of these.
Myth #1: Lightning Never Strikes the Same Place Twice
Reality: Lightning can and often does strike the same place multiple times—especially if that place is tall, isolated, or conductive. Iconic structures like the Eiffel Tower and Table Mountain are struck dozens of times each year. If your building, solar array, or farm equipment is exposed or elevated, it could easily be targeted more than once.
Why it matters: A single strike is enough to do damage—but multiple strikes without proper protection could completely destroy electrical systems. Your protection system must be designed for repeated events.
Myth #2: I Don’t Need Lightning Protection—It’s Rare in My Area
Reality: South Africa experiences some of the highest lightning activity in the world, particularly in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and parts of Mpumalanga and Limpopo. Even if your area sees fewer strikes, one powerful storm is all it takes to cause devastating damage.
Why it matters: Lightning doesn’t need to hit your property directly to wreak havoc. Surges from nearby strikes can travel through the ground or power lines into your home, damaging appliances, solar inverters, and sensitive electronics.
Myth #3: A Surge Protector Is Enough
Reality: Surge protectors are essential—but they only protect against a portion of the danger. They defend internal systems against electrical surges, but they don’t stop the lightning itself from striking your property. A complete lightning protection system includes rods, down conductors, and proper grounding—plus surge protection.
Why it matters: Relying solely on surge protectors is like using an umbrella in a thunderstorm without a raincoat. It helps, but it’s not enough.
Myth #4: Installing Lightning Protection Attracts Lightning
Reality: Lightning rods don’t attract lightning—they provide a safe path for it if your structure is struck. Without a rod, lightning may still strike but take an unpredictable and destructive route through your building or equipment.
Why it matters: A properly installed system directs the energy safely into the ground, preventing fires, electrocution, and equipment loss. It’s passive protection—only activated if needed.
Myth #5: You Only Need Lightning Protection on Tall Buildings
Reality: While tall buildings are more vulnerable, any structure, especially those with metal roofs, solar panels, or external wiring, can be damaged by lightning. Homes, thatched roof lodges, barns, solar installations, and even ground-mounted equipment are at risk.
Why it matters: Lightning doesn’t care about size—it follows the path of least resistance. That could easily be a small building with exposed cables or poor grounding.
Myth #6: My Insurance Will Cover Lightning Damage Anyway
Reality: Some policies do cover lightning damage—but insurers may require proof that you’ve taken reasonable precautions. If you haven’t installed a compliant lightning protection system, your claim may be denied or reduced.
Why it matters: Prevention is better—and often cheaper—than repair. Lightning protection is not just a safety measure, it’s a cost-saving investment that could prevent major financial loss.
The Truth? Proper Lightning Protection Saves Lives and Investments
With increasingly unpredictable weather patterns and high-value electrical systems (like solar installations), lightning protection is more relevant than ever. Don’t rely on myths or guesswork—get informed and get protected.
Bolt Guard provides expert evaluation, design, and installation of certified lightning and earthing systems across South Africa. Whether you’re protecting a home, business, or solar farm, we ensure your system meets safety standards and withstands real-world conditions.
Need a system check or a new install?
Contact us today for a consultation and let’s bust the myth that lightning protection is optional.
Contact Us
Contact Details
Email: solutions@boltguard.co.za
Tel : +27 71 011 9343
Operating Hours
Monday to Friday
8h00 – 16h00
