Question 3-100Q1

A direct lightning strike delivers an immense amount of electrical energy, typically millions of volts and tens of thousands of amperes. No commercially available device, including lightning arrestors or surge suppressors (often generically called "lightning protectors"), can withstand or safely dissipate such a catastrophic discharge while protecting sensitive electronic equipment from destruction. Lightning arrestors are designed to shunt *nearby* strikes or *induced* surges to ground, preventing them from entering the station and damaging equipment. A grounded cabinet provides safety from electrical faults and helps contain RF, and a short lead-in minimizes signal loss and potential for *induced* voltage, but neither offers protection against a direct hit. The overwhelming power of a direct strike will vaporize conductors, melt components, and cause significant physical damage. The only truly effective measure against a direct strike is to completely disconnect all antennas and power lines from the station and equipment during a thunderstorm.