How to avoid storm and lightning damage

In recent years, we have been witnessing more intense and violent weather phenomena than a few decades ago; these include heavy rain, strong wind, lightning and electrical discharges.

In bad weather, lightning is the most frequently recorded phenomenon. A lightning bolt contains millions of volts that can discharge onto the surface of the earth or onto a building, also causing major damage such as melting metal parts or setting fire to structural elements, due to the large amount of thermal energy that develops.

How to avoid electrical installation damage caused by thunderstorms and lightning

To avoid damage caused by thunderstorms and lightning, it is essential to adequately protect the electrical system the provides the energy for all domestic electrical installations comes. Televisions, PCs and large household appliances can often suffer irreparable damage, which is why protecting electrical equipment from lightning is a priority.

Here are some tips on how to behave in the home to avoid accidents and on how to protect the electrical system and appliances from lightning:

• Equip yourself with a surge protection device at the fusebox. This will ensure that current surges are absorbed and diverted to the system's earth, thus preventing any damage in the event of lightning strikes and blackouts.

• Replace common sockets with protected, low-voltage sockets to safeguard sensitive appliances.

• Disconnect electrical devices from all power sockets and also disconnect your antenna cable. Avoid using electrical appliances in direct contact such as hairdryers, shavers or irons.

Devices can then be installed, again with the advice of a service engineer, to protect people rather than power lines, also known as “lifesavers”. Their automatic intervention discharges current leakage into the ground, immediately upon perception of current leakage.

Weather events accompanied by lightning and thunder are also capable of creating a blackout in the home's electrical system. The consequence of this is a short circuit that generates a damaging transmission of energy or a temporary suspension of the power supply. This can lead to extensive damage such as failure of the heating, air conditioning or refrigerator. Failures are often very serious and can lead to unexpected expenses when it comes to replacing damaged equipment with new.

What to do in the event of storm damage to your electrical installation

We provide a service so that you no longer have to worry about problems with the electrical installation in your home. Protezione Luce 360 is a two-year service that guarantees:

• Two free repairs per year for your electrical installation, worth €250 each (VAT included), to be requested via a dedicated call centre at the toll-free number 800.900.860, available 7 days a week.

• An insurance policy that reimburses the instalments of the power bill in the case of unforeseen events affecting work and health, up to a maximum of €450 per event.

• Access to a network of technicians at preferential rates for plumbing, electrical, gas, heating, air conditioning, locks and windows.