The short answer
How Lightning Damages Wiring
Lightning carries an enormous electrical charge. When it strikes your home or a nearby utility pole, that energy can travel through your electrical wiring, looking for a path to the ground. The surge can overwhelm your wiring's capacity, causing insulation to melt, wires to arc, and connections to fail.
The damage may be obvious, like burn marks or a tripped breaker, or it may be hidden inside walls. Even if your lights still work, the wiring could have weakened spots that pose a fire risk. A professional inspection is the only way to know for sure.
Signs of Lightning Damage
After a thunderstorm, check for common signs of electrical damage. These include a burning smell near outlets or your electrical panel, tripped breakers, flickering lights, or devices that stopped working. You might also see scorch marks on outlets, switches, or your breaker box.
If you notice any of these, shut off the main breaker and avoid using the affected circuits. Do not touch damaged wiring or outlets. Call a qualified electrician to assess the situation. They can test your system and identify any compromised components.
- Burning smell from outlets or the panel
- Tripped breakers or blown fuses
- Flickering or dimming lights
- Devices that suddenly stopped working
- Scorch marks or discoloration on outlets
- A loud pop or crack from the electrical system
Protecting Your Home from Surges
Whole-house surge protectors are installed at your main electrical panel and can help divert excess voltage from lightning strikes. They are not a complete shield, but they can reduce the risk of damage to your wiring and connected appliances. An electrician can recommend the right type for your home.
For individual electronics, use plug-in surge protectors with built-in circuit breakers. Unplug sensitive devices during severe storms. These steps lower the chance of damage, but no system can fully protect against a direct strike.
What to Do After a Strike
If you suspect a lightning strike affected your home, start by checking for visible damage. Look at your electrical panel, outlets, and any appliances that were running. If you see signs of burning or hear buzzing, turn off the main breaker and call a professional.
An electrician can perform a thorough inspection, including testing the continuity of your wiring and checking for damaged connections. They may recommend replacing affected sections of wire or installing surge protection. Do not attempt to repair electrical wiring yourself.
When Water Damage Is Involved
Lightning can also cause physical damage that leads to water intrusion, like a cracked roof or broken window. If water gets into your walls or ceiling, it can damage drywall, insulation, and wiring. Moisture combined with damaged wiring creates a serious safety hazard.
If you have water damage from a storm, dry out the area quickly to prevent mold growth. Local water damage pros can help with water extraction and structural drying. They work alongside electricians to ensure your home is safe and dry. If you live in Redmond, keep your insurance policy handy and check what it covers.
Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.
- Inspect your roof and windows for storm damage
- Dry wet areas within 24 to 48 hours
- Do not use electrical outlets near standing water
- Call a qualified electrician for wiring checks
- Contact local water damage pros for drying and cleanup
Talk to someone now
Phones are answered 24/7 for Redmond and nearby communities.
Call Now (425) 407-5186Frequently asked questions
Can a lightning strike damage my wiring if it hits a nearby tree?
Yes, a strike to a nearby tree can send a surge through the ground and into your home's electrical system. The surge can travel through underground utility lines or through the soil and into your service entrance. Even a nearby strike can cause significant damage to your wiring.
Will my surge protector protect my whole house from lightning?
A whole-house surge protector can help, but it is not foolproof. It is designed to handle moderate surges, but a direct lightning strike can overwhelm it. For the right protection, combine a whole-house unit with plug-in protectors for sensitive devices. Unplugging electronics during storms is the safest option.
Is it safe to use my outlets after a lightning strike?
It is not safe until an electrician inspects your wiring. Hidden damage can cause short circuits, electrical fires, or shocks. Turn off the main breaker if you suspect damage, and avoid touching any outlets or switches. Have a professional test your system before restoring power.