XML RSS
What is this?
Add to My Yahoo!
Add to My MSN
Add to Google

Home
BLOG
CURRICULA
Module 1 Batteries
Module 2 Wiring
Module 3 Engines
Module 4 Lightning
Module 5 DC Systems
Module 6 Electronics
Module 7 Radios
Module 8 Water
Module 9 HVAC
Module 10 AC Power
ENROLLMENT
TUTOR
Employment
PROFESSIONALS
SCHOOL BLOG
Resources
 

Protect yourself against a lightning-bolt!

LIGHTNING SAFETY

If a lightning-bolt is going to strike your boat the best defense is to follow some basic safety instructions, and be prepared.

CHECK THE WEATHER FORECASTS

The National Weather Service (NWS) provides a continuously and updated weather forecast for Florida and adjacent coastline on VHF/FM channels WX1 (162.550 MHz), WX2 (162.400 MHz), WX3 (162.475 MHz).

PERSONAL SAFETY

In an electrical storm, the following precautions should be taken to avoid any shock or something more serious:

1. Stay below decks at all times.

2. Stay well away from mast, boom shrouds, chain plates and the mast compression post or mast if below deck.

3. Take a position and plot it prior to shutting down, or in case of all electronics equipment being blown.

4. Turn off all electronic gear and isolate circuit breakers if at all practicable. Disconnect aerials also if practicable.

5. Do not operate radios until after the storm unless in an extreme emergency.

6. After a lightning strike, be aware that the compass may be incorrect.

7. Check all running rigging and fittings after a lightning strike as damage can occur that may seriously affect vessel capacity to sail.

8. Check all through hull fittings for damage, if you have decided to risk bonding them. Usually if they are damaged or gone, you will see water over the cabin sole.

It is hoped that this offers some way through the ranges of conflicting information, and it is better to at least implement some of the basic recommendations than do nothing. As summer comes to an end there will be the usual reports of lightning-bolt, strikes and damages, many will criticize various rules and recommendations, and in many cases the measures used will be either partial or badly installed to some degree. One should not be deterred or put off by these reports. Hopefully readers had an enjoyable and not too traumatic time.

Do you want more lightning-bolt protection and related boat electrical systems, such as corrosion? This article was extracted from The Marine Electrical & Electronics Bible and this is available through West Marine and Amazon.com

Lightning-protection and safety against the lightning-bolt and more


footer for lightning-bolt page