Case Study: Enhanced Lightning Protection for Residential Property
Client: Mr. and Mrs. Sparks
Industry: Residential
Location: St. Mary’s, GA
The Challenge:
The Sparks residence, located in a coastal area prone to frequent summer lightning storms, experienced significant electronic damage from lightning strikes, with incidents on July 27, 2018, and July 5, 2020, leading to a total repair cost of $121,056.35. Despite having Types 1, 2, and 3 high voltage surge protection devices, these measures failed to protect low voltage devices during the strikes.
Solution:
After the 2018 lightning strike, surge protection was extended to low-voltage devices, which mitigated but did not fully prevent damage from a subsequent strike in 2020. This prompted the installation of an EMP Defense CMCE-120 unit in August 2020 for the main structure, and a CMCE-25 unit for additional dock area protection, to cover the entire property effectively.
Results:
Post-installation, there have been no lightning strikes within the CMCE coverage zones. The prior damages exceeding $100,000 underscore the cost-effectiveness of the CMCE units. WeatherBug app screenshots from June 20, 2023, during an intense electrical storm, illustrate the absence of lightning strikes within the red-outlined CMCE coverage area, despite nearby strikes. This demonstrates the units' effectiveness in lightning strike prevention.
Conclusion:
The installation of EMP Defense's CMCE units at the Sparks residence has effectively prevented lightning strikes within the protected areas, demonstrating the units' efficacy in safeguarding electronic and electrical systems against lightning-induced damages. This case underscores the importance of appropriate lightning protection technologies in high-risk areas
Case Study: Lightning Protection for Public Safety Communications Towers
Client: Santa Rosa County, FL Public Safety
Industry: Communications Towers, Emergency Operations 911
Location: Milton, FL
Challenge:
Santa Rosa County Public Safety, a region with a high frequency of lightning strikes, faced significant challenges in protecting its critical communications infrastructure. The organization's tower sites, crucial for emergency operations, had sustained numerous lightning strikes over the years, causing substantial damage, particularly as the radio system expanded and more sensitive electronics were deployed. Notably, strikes on the EOC Tower on 7/12/2016 and 01/01/2017 resulted in around $60,000 in insurance claims, with additional equipment losses on the South Tower shortly after.
Solution:
In 2018, the county initiated a project to mitigate these risks. After extensive research, discussions with other agencies, and evaluation of various products, Santa Rosa County Public Safety selected EMP Defense. The decision, driven by positive references and the effectiveness of EMP Defense's solutions, led to the installation of 7 CMCE Advanced Lightning Suppression systems across 6 county-owned Public Safety towers in July 2019.
Results:
Following the installation of the CMCE systems, there have been no reported direct lightning strikes at any of the sites. While some damage occurred due to utility intrusions (power grid, fiber, or telco components), EMP Defense provided detailed lightning strike reports within 24 hours of any incident, including precise locations of nearby strikes. This proactive approach allowed for accurate assessment and response to potential indirect damage sources. Since the implementation of the CMCE systems, there have been no insurance claims related to direct lightning strikes on the facilities.
Conclusion:
The installation of EMP Defense's CMCE Advanced Lightning Suppression systems has effectively protected Santa Rosa County's Public Safety communications towers from direct lightning strikes. This strategic investment not only safeguards vital emergency operations infrastructure but also demonstrates fiscal responsibility by eliminating costly insurance claims associated with lightning damage.
2023 LIGHTNING REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
2023 LIGHTNING REPORT
The 2023 Vaisala lightning report, now in its seventh year, presents a comprehensive analysis of lightning's impact, particularly in a year marked by a record number of billion-dollar weather disasters in the United States. The report offers a groundbreaking examination of lightning risks in the wind energy sector, including a first-ever analysis identifying the most lightning-prone wind farms in the U.S. It also introduces new insights into the top 20 U.S. metropolitan areas most disrupted by thunderstorms. Despite 2023 being the hottest year on record, the report explores the complex relationship between rising temperatures and lightning frequency, illustrated through detailed lightning density maps. Additionally, the report covers lightning activity near tall buildings, ranks U.S. states by lightning occurrences, and highlights the top 5 dates for lightning in 2023. This thorough analysis provides valuable information on how lightning continues to affect power, businesses, and safety, emphasizing its significant hazard to life and property.
Contact Us
Looking to enhance your lightning protection strategy? Reach out to our sales team at EMP for personalized guidance and solutions. Whether you're interested in exploring the benefits of the CMCE Lightning Suppressor or have specific queries, we're here to assist you every step of the way. Consider scheduling a site visit with our experts to assess your unique needs and recommend the most effective protection for your property. Contact us now through the form below, give us a call, or send an email, and let us help you secure your assets against lightning risks with precision and expertise.
