Professionals in the construction, mining, and logistics industries rely on heavy equipment like cranes and haul trucks for daily operations. The size of these machines is great for industrial performance, but they are at a higher risk of lightning strikes. Their greater surface area makes heavy-duty machinery more likely to be hit by lightning. Discover how lightning can affect heavy equipment and the best defenses to maintain the quality and safety of your machinery.

Direct Strikes on Equipment

When lightning hits heavy equipment, it can cause significant damage. Direct strikes contain the full force of lightning bolts, emitting high voltage that easily fry electronic systems, controls, sensors, and onboard computers. In some cases, the electrical discharge can cause structural damage or even ignite flammable substances, leading to catastrophic accidents.

Indirect Impacts of Lightning

Even if lightning doesn’t directly strike heavy-duty machinery, a nearby strike can zap the voltage in metallic structures. Metal is conductive, so the energy from a nearby lightning strike can travel, damage the equipment, and endanger operators. Moreover, a nearby strike can cause a momentary power surge that can trip circuit breakers and interrupt the equipment’s operation.

Physical Damage and Personnel Safety Risks

Lightning strikes can physically harm the equipment and pose a serious threat to people working on or near these machines. The heat from a lightning strike can cause parts of the machinery to catch fire or melt. Workers in the vicinity risk getting injured by flying debris and suffering from electric shock or hearing damage.

Protecting Heavy Equipment From Lightning

Fortunately, you can protect your team and heavy equipment from lightning. For example, install lightning rods on equipment to divert lightning to the ground. Surge protectors can shield your electronics from voltage surges caused by nearby strikes.

Lightning detectors for heavy equipment can increase your team’s situational awareness, allowing them to respond to lightning warnings quickly. Lightning awareness encourages people on-site to evacuate the area and store heavy equipment in shelters. Lightning protection of any form reduces risks of injuries and damages and guarantees heavy-duty machinery remains in good condition.

Understanding how lightning can affect heavy equipment is crucial for any operator. Whether you are using or manufacturing heavy-duty machinery, consider these benefits of lightning strike preparation. Protect your equipment with TALOS lightning detectors today!