lighting

[Half_Pint]

If a storm rolls in what's the rule for lighting safety when living in a van?

 

[DollarJoe67]

Lighting?&nbsp; or Lightning?&nbsp; If a vehicle is properly built and all components properly grounded, you are safe in your van.&nbsp; The shell is whats known as a faraday cage, which would dissipate a direct strike.&nbsp; Just like a house, don't go outside.<br><br>Can't wait for someone to build a device to capture those 1.21jiggawatts.<br><br>

 

[Half_Pint]

If it was actually a Faraday cage cellphones wouldn't work inside of them, I have been in a real Faraday cage before for work, any signal blockage has nothing to do with if something is properly grounded or not, also sorry for any auto correct mix ups I'm on cq right now and have to use my phone.

Good to know that the tires will keep me safe lol it came to my mind earlier today when the first rain of the season hit (I'm stationed down at fort Huachuca)

 

[DollarJoe67]

Didn't say it was a perfect faraday cage.&nbsp; Its all about how the electricity disipates.&nbsp; A vehicle isn't grounded.&nbsp; Rubber composite tires aren't exactly the best conductors, so the shell fluxes at the speed of light until neutral...relatively speaking.&nbsp; = Faraday cage&nbsp; basic EP.<br><br>CQ...That sucks.

 

[Half_Pint]

Yeah yeah it does but I'm saying its not a Faraday cage because you have one or more huge holes in the metal surrounding you also known as windows, yeah you a person will be fine but I have a feeling ye old electronic devices won't fare so well

And would I have any hearing damage from being that close to the lightning I wonder?

 

[James AKA Lynx]

I have never heard of anybody in a car or RV or Van being hit by lightning. Crane operators yes. I would not talk on the CB.<br><br>James AKA Lynx<br><br>

 

[Half_Pint]

Out here cars and whatnot get struck on a regular basis just not usually with anyone in them, about four feild exercises ago one of our trailer generators got hit and those are lower to the ground than my van 's antenna hence my concern

 

[Noah]

On Cartalk a guy called in saying he was selling his suv that was struck by lightning while he was driving it.&nbsp; He said all of the electronics and wiring needed to be replaced but nothing else was harmed, including himself.<BR><BR>He said it was loud and bright. (makes sense) Then it was very dark.<BR><BR>I agree, the 'rule for safety' would be to stay in your vehicle. I'd probably try not to be the only metal object in the area though. Maybe best to drive into town or at least next to some tall trees?<BR><BR>-Noah

 

[highdesertranger]

for heavens sake stay away from tall trees during a lightning storm.&nbsp; highdesertranger

 

[Half_Pint]

Lol apparently lightning safety is something that needs to be covered a bit better now a days

 

[Zil]

Yes, you are relatively safer in a metal vehicle than you would be in a wooden or brick house or barn. Trees and open areas are deadly. Stay away from indoor plumbing and phone lines.

 

[Noah]

<img src="/images/boards/smilies/frown.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">&nbsp; I stand corrected

 

[James AKA Lynx]

The risk is so slight. More danger hurting yourself getting out or in.<br><br>James AKA Lynx

 

[Ziggy Moon]

We are known as the lightning capital of the world here in Florida, and being a native, the following is what I've learned/heard about being in a vehicle during a lightning storm;<br><br><ol><li>Rubber tires don't exactly keep you safe during a lightning storm - they can become more conductive than insulating.</li><li>Like DollarJoe mentioned, the vehicle acts as a Faraday cage - albeit, not a true Faraday cage. The vehicles outer metal surface can keep you safe, yet everything electrical/electronic will more than likely fry in the event of a direct lightning strike.</li><li>Stay in the vehicle.</li><li>When inside of a vehicle during a lightning storm, do not touch any metal part of the vehicle (keep your hands in your lap and feet off of bare metal floor).</li></ol><br>Oh yeah... almost forgot, <br><br><strong>Number</strong> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>5</strong></span>. Look for the tallest tree (especially pine tree) you can find, and park under it as close as possible. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/thumb.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img"><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><em><strong>Please ignore Number 5</strong></em>&nbsp; ......... I just had to <img src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img"><br>.

 

[Half_Pint]

Lol Ziggy