Lightning and surge protection

[mikEXpat]

What should I do to protect myself in my vehicle from lightning strikes and surges which occur from alien spaceship energy fields? 

That last part is silly, but what if? 

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

See here for info on lightning strikes on vehicles:

https://weather.com/storms/tornado/news/what-happens-when-lightning-hits-car-20140625

Do a search on Amazon for " Surge Suppressor for RV"  to see numerous units.

Regards
John

 

[blars]

Surge suppressors are for power line surges caused by nearby lightning strikes. RV ones are for staying at RV parks or otherwise being on the grid. Better ones also protect against miswired and poorly wired power. They may also include "insurance" that might just be a ponzi scheme.

Direct lightning strikes can take out pretty much anything, but are rare. I don't worry about them.

 

[mikEXpat]

Thanks Optimistic Paranoid
"The National Lightning Safety Institute reports that some vehicles struck by lightning experience external damage, including pitting and arcing, as well as internal damage to electronic systems and components.

Bottom line, if you're away from home, the best way to stay safe during a lightning storm is to head for a metal-topped vehicle. However, it is important to fold your hands in your lap and avoid touching anything metal within the car."

"Metal-topped" I'm guessing a fiber glass topped vehicle has metal somewhere on the top that would attract a lightning strike, right?

Thanks Blars. I didn't know there was a difference in surge protectors.

I know I shouldn't worry about a lightning strike, but I do plan on doing some ridgeline boondocking and would just like to be prepared.

 

[MikeRuth]

Not sure what the results of this were.. 

After watching this one I'm pretty sure I don't want to be hit by lightning in my vehicle!

 

[highdesertranger]

in the second video did you notice that in both vehicles the occupants could not get out. because their doors wouldn't open, because their electronics were fried. I hate electronic gizmos on cars because sooner or later they will fail, sometimes with very bad results. highdesertranger

 

[rvpopeye]

Always park underground and you should be OK, :idea: !

 

[mikEXpat]

Did some reading. The Faraday Cage is when lightening strikes a metal cage, your vehicle, the electricity is dispersed and never enters. So if you are in a fiberglass/wood or pop-up constructed camper or trailer you would most likely be at risk. In that case you would wait it out in your vehicle or a safe structure elsewhere.

As for surge protectors. Be sure to unplug hookups and have proper protection for any kind of electrical surge. Fuses and such usually take care of everything I think. I'll have to look more into this.