Ever thought about how to keep your home safe during Singapore’s wild thunderstorms? How to Prevent Lightning Damage to home is a critical concern in Singapore. This tiny island gets hit by lightning a lot, i.e., about 171 thunderstorm days a year, says the National Environment Agency (NEA). From zapped TVs to house fires, lightning can cause big problems.
This article shares simple, Singapore-specific ways to Prevent Lightning Damage to home in Singapore and keep your place safe. Moreover, LS Electrician Servicing Singapore’s detailed process is a guide on this matter. Let’s also not forget their efficient services in lighting installation, distribution box installation, and power socket installation domains.
Why Lightning Is a Big Deal in Singapore
Singapore sits near the equator, so thunderstorms are super common. The NEA says we get 1.2 to 1.8 lightning strikes per square kilometer every year. That’s a lot! No matter where you live in Singapore, lightning can strike your rooftop or sneak through your electrical wires.
It can even hit a nearby tree and cause trouble. Understanding this helps you take steps to Prevent Lightning Damage to your Home.
Get a Lightning Protection System
A Lightning Protection System (LPS) is like a shield for your home. Most HDBs and condos in Singapore already have these, thanks to rules from the Building and Construction Authority (BCA). If you own a landed house, check if you have one.
An LPS has lightning rods, wires, and a grounding system to guide lightning safely into the ground. Hire a BCA-approved contractor to install or check your system. Make sure it’s inspected every two years to keep it working. This is a great way to Stop Lightning Damage to Home.
Protect Your Gadgets with Surge Protectors
Lightning may blow a massive electrical charge through power lines and fry your appliances. In Singapore, we love our air-con, our laptops, and our TVs, so it is necessary to protect them. Purchase quality surge protectors, having at least a 1000-joule rating, that are good enough to cover your equipment.
Hardware such as Belkin or APC can be found in shops like Harvey Norman or Lazada, but it is costly. To be on the safe side, you can use a whole-house surge protector. This prevents Lightning Damage to Your Home because it keeps your electronics safe.
Make Sure Your Electrical System Is Grounded
Grounding your electrical system is super important to Protect Home from Against Lightning. In Singapore, new homes follow the Singapore Standard SS 555:2018, which includes proper grounding. But older homes, especially those built before 2010, might not be up to standard.
Ask a licensed electrician from the Energy Market Authority (EMA) to check your wiring. They can make sure your system safely redirects lightning’s energy. This lowers the chance of fires or damage.
Keep Outdoor Items Safe
Lightning can strike things such as satellite dishes, antennas, or metal pergolas. These are found in many Singapore homes, particularly landed properties or condos that have a balcony. Ensure that they are connected to your LPS and are grounded. Don’t put up tall metal things like flagpoles without talking to a pro.
During the monsoon season (November to January or April to May), bring in lightweight patio furniture or tie it down so it doesn’t fly around in a storm. This is an easy way to Prevent Lightning Damage to your home.
Get the Right Insurance
Lightning damage can be expensive to fix. Lightning strikes may be covered by your home insurance in Singapore, such as that provided by companies like Great Eastern or AIA, but do check your policy. Other policies exclude electronics, unless you buy additional coverage.
In the case of HDB folks, the HDB Fire Insurance Scheme covers your building against lightning damage, but not your personal possessions. Take a home contents insurance scheme to cover everything. This provides you with peace of mind in case lightning gives you trouble.
Stay Safe During Storms
Protecting your home might be a priority, but so is keeping yourself safe. The NEA’s “30-30 Rule” says if you see lightning and hear thunder within 30 seconds, stay inside. Don’t use corded phones or touch metal pipes. Unplug non-essential gadgets during big storms to Prevent Lightning Damage to Your Home. Singapore’s sudden storms make these habits a must.
Hire Experts for Big Jobs
When it comes to something as important as installing an LPS or improving your electrical system, go with certified professionals. The BCA and EMA have lists of trusted contractors and electricians in Singapore. Don’t try to do it yourself, as mistakes can make things worse. Check your systems before the monsoon season to make sure your home is ready for lightning.
Conclusion
Singapore’s tropical climate is thrilling, but it carries a risk of lightning. To Prevent Lightning Damage to home, install a Lightning Protection System, use surge protectors, ground your electrical system, secure outdoor items, and get good insurance.
These are the few easy-to-do measures that are adapted to the specific climate of Singapore that will ensure the safety of your home from the destructive power of lightning.