This article was posted 09/18/2007 and is most likely outdated.

Advice Needed - Lightning Strike
 

 

Topic - Lightning
Subject - Advice Needed - Lightning Strike

September 18, 2007
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Advice Needed - Lightning Strike

 

Mike,


I've been trying to get different views on what is the correct thing to look for and do since I've had a lighting strike and house fire that I put out a couple weeks ago. 

 

I've had three electrical companies (did not want to pull permits) come out and look at the damage and have called over 25 electrical companies trying to get them to come out and give me an idea of what to do. None want to deal with it since there are bigger bucks to make.

 

I finally called the county electrician and he asked for their comments and he's helping me out now by telling me not to turn the power back on until all the electrical cables have been replaced, the omega tests have been completed on the entire electrical system, and the permits and inspection have been done and approved. 
 
My questions are:

 

  • What should an electrical company do?
  • What certification or license should they possess or subcontract out to do all the work and testing to make me and my family feel safe? 
  • Should all the wiring be replaced that is on each run including all switches, outlets, light fixtures, and fans?

I've elevated up directly to my insurance company and they will have their subcontract manager call me back to get me help. What tips can you give me to help me out?


Thanks.


Signed homeless in Chesapeake Beach until the insurance adjuster gives approval to find a new place to stay until all the work and inspections are completed.

 

 

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Comments
  • Question #1 - My questions are: * What should an electrical company do? Answer - A master electrician needs to find out where the lightning hit and entered the home, the path(s) it traveled and ALL the electrical components that were affected. This is similar to diagnosing any accident. One needs to know details. Did the lightning damage all the electrical/electronic appliances in the home, where & which ones, how were they damaged. This technical accessments, physical inspection, and electrical insulation testing along with the extent of the electrical/electronic damage will reveal the approximate duration of the high energy pulse. Also whether the high energy traveled along the conductors (house wiring) or was introduced through the grounding system, or possibly neither. Usually appliances are the cause of a fire, not the internal electrical wiring.

    Question #2 - * What certification or license should they possess or subcontract out to do all the work and testing to make me and my family feel safe? Answer - That is a good question.

    Question #3 - * Should all the wiring be replaced that is on each run including all switches, outlets, light fixtures, and fans? Answer - The answer to Question #1 needs to be performed to answer this. Usually the answer is NO, but ALL wiring & devices involved in the area of a fire must absolutely be replaced due to physical damage (heat) of the fire. And you "DO NEED TO HAVE AN ELECTRICAL INSPECTION" if any wiring is replaced.

    John

    John H

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