Lightning FAQ: Why does lightning/static electricity damage electronics?

By DAN ROBINSON Storm Highway Editor/Cameraman Electronic chips have very delicate, microscopic circuitry that is easily damaged by even small sparks from static electricity. Most other appliances, like washers, refrigerators, lamps, etc. usually don't have a lot of electronic components, so static electricity usually won't harm them. However, a direct or very close lightning strike can destroy ANY electric appliance, electronic or non-electronic, if the large lightning current flows through them. Lightning current can burn up wires inside appliances, motors, and household electrical circuits. Due to the highly sensitive nature of electronics, a surge from a power line malfunction or a far-away lightning strike to a power line could be enough to cause permanent damage to electronic appliances, which is why using a surge protection device is recommended. See Also: Lightning Protection Systems What protection systems do and don't do. MYTH: Surge protectors and UPS devices offer sufficient lightning protection.

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