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

By DAN ROBINSON

Editor/Photographer

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.

This web site is made possible by support from CIS Internet.

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. Remember, however, that there is no guarantee that a surge protector will help in the event of a very close or direct strike.

See Also:

		Lightning Protection Systems What protection systems do and don't do.

		MYTH: Surge protectors and UPS devices offer sufficient lightning protection.