A lightning protection system is the equipment setup used to prevent, or lessen the damaging effects of lightning strikes on buildings. It is designed to protect the internal electrical components and systems in a building to prevent electrical fires and electrocution.

This protection system comes in a form of a lightning conductor, such as a metal rod. It is mounted on the terrace of a building to intercept a strike. It means that if the lightning hits a building, the lightning rod will be the first to receive the strike. This system causes the strike to be conducted through a wire and passed through to the ground safely.

A lightning rod is just a single component of the lightning protection system. It also requires a connection to the earth to ensure protection.

So, it is always recommended to get in touch with a reputable lightning protection system supplier and get this system installed quickly.

Why Do Buildings Need Lightning Protection System in the UAE?

Even though the UAE is one of those countries that receive rare heavy rainfall and has a sunny climate, people living in this country are getting more familiar with lightning strikes. In recent years, the frequency of lightning strikes has increased significantly in the Arabian Peninsula, especially during hot times.

To the surprise of many people, Arabian Peninsula is one of the 500 lightning spots in the world. The environment and its ever-growing urban population regions make the ultimate playground for lightning to cause great damage to infrastructure and human life.

As more and more businesses and ex-pats from around the world are moving to the UAE, the need for proper lightning protection systems is becoming more critical than ever to give the assurance of a safe building.

Why are lightning strikes becoming more common in the UAE?

The credit for the rapidly increasing frequency of lightning strikes in the UAE goes to climate change, which is something that many nations and so-called experts were ignoring for so long time. The Middle Eastern region is warming at twice the global average.

It is projected that, by 2050, the Middle East region will be 4 degree Celsius warmer than the rest of the world due to climate. The effects of climate change in the region can already be seen in increased droughts and high temperatures which rank the highest every year. However, extreme heat and dryness are not the only things that are increasing.

As global warming continues to increase weather phenomena, lightning storms are also increasing because the distribution and frequency of lightning are directly linked to the climate of our Earth.

Thus, while the rest of the world might have slightly more time to face the full repercussions of climate change, the Middle East region is already experiencing its effects such as increased frequency of lightning strikes, especially in the Arabian Gulf states.

Besides, property owners also risk failing to meet insurance policy conditions without complete lightning protection systems in the UAE, these days.

If you haven’t protected your building with the best lightning protection system yet, it’s time to make a call to an experienced and trusted lightning protection system supplier in the UAE – JSM Energy.