Satellite Dish Struck by Lightening-Home Burned down.

[teddyballgame]

My friends Directv Slimline Satellite dish was struck by lightening this past week, and burned down his home as a result of the fire. He was not home at the time of the incident, and no one was injured. Should Directv have placed proper grounding for the satellite Dish as it was placed on the peak of his roof or is none required? Would proper grounding have stopped a fire from occurring?
Thanks-

 

[raoul5788]

Grounding is required by code, but it likely wouldn't have made any difference. I'm guessing the insurance company thinks differently.

 

[Scott Greczkowski]

Proper grounding would have helped but I don't know if it would have prevented the damage entirely.

 

[jackhawk]

A #10 ground wire can't protect against a direct strike

 

[Mr Tony]

DAMN that sounds scary!

 

[Joe Diamond]

Since there is a low voltage flow to energize the LNB on the dish arm the electric code requires that the dish be grounded. This is to stop an unintentional voltage flow from going to places like a fitting, the receiver frame or some connected appliance like a DVD player. The ground wire is not lightning protection nor does the placement of the dish alter the arrival of lightening strikes. The cable used to power the LNB and ground the dish will vaporize in a lightning strike.

There are plenty of threads on grounding. This is a summary.

Joe

 

[dtro77]

The peak of the roof could have been struck just as easy if there was no dish there.

 

[cave1376]

What kind of excuse will the insurance company give in order to avoid giving out a large payout?

 

[Joe The Dragon]

What kind of excuse will the insurance company give in order to avoid giving out a large payout?

pay pass the buck.

 

[raoul5788]

What kind of excuse will the insurance company give in order to avoid giving out a large payout?

If it wasn't properly grounded, they should be looking at the installation company's insurance to pay. Just on principal!

 

[osu1991]

If it wasn't properly grounded, they should be looking at the installation company's insurance to pay. Just on principal!

Grounded dish isn't going to stop a lightning strike or prevent a fire from starting. Installation company's insurance carrier would take it to court if another carrier tried to pursue that line and win. At most they might be liable for some damaged equipment. Another question is did the fire investigator rule the Dish was the first point of strike?

 

[raoul5788]

Grounded dish isn't going to stop a lightning strike or prevent a fire from starting. Installation company's insurance carrier would take it to court if another carrier tried to pursue that line and win. At most they might be liable for some damaged equipment. Another question is did the fire investigator rule the Dish was the first point of strike?

I agree and said so in my first post in this thread. However, if the dish wasn't properly grounded, the installation company might have some liability for the fire.

 

[Claude Greiner]

If it was a direct strike, then you would have needed a copper wire the size of your thumb if not thicker to be able to properly ground the Dish.

Lets see some pictures of what the Dish looks like

 

[osu1991]

I agree and said so in my first post in this thread. However, if the dish wasn't properly grounded, the installation company might have some liability for the fire.

As I said the only liability they might have (and that would be a slim chance) would be for some damaged equipment, as grounding for a satellite dish is not meant to prevent, impede or stop a lightning strike.

edit: that is the line any insurance carrier will use, if someone tried to bring action against them for such a theory

 

[osu1991]

If it was a direct strike, then you would have needed a copper wire the size of your thumb if not thicker to be able to properly ground the Dish.

Lets see some pictures of what the Dish looks like

If the home is a total loss, I would think the dish is pretty much a puddle of goo or looks like a used dripping candle

 

[teddyballgame]

Everyone thankyou for your advice and feedback. I will let my friend know.

 

[Jimbo]

If it wasn't properly grounded, they should be looking at the installation company's insurance to pay. Just on principal!

Have they determined for sure that the DISH was the first point struck ?

 

[Jimbo]

Grounded dish isn't going to stop a lightning strike or prevent a fire from starting. Installation company's insurance carrier would take it to court if another carrier tried to pursue that line and win. At most they might be liable for some damaged equipment. Another question is did the fire investigator rule the Dish was the first point of strike?

Have they determined for sure that the DISH was the first point struck ?

Sorry OSU, I posted before I got to your post.

 

[Jimbo]

Everyone thankyou for your advice and feedback. I will let my friend know.

Keep us informed on the proceedings if you hear them.

 

[dishcomm]

My friends Directv Slimline Satellite dish was struck by lightening this past week, and burned down his home as a result of the fire. He was not home at the time of the incident, and no one was injured. Should Directv have placed proper grounding for the satellite Dish as it was placed on the peak of his roof or is none required? Would proper grounding have stopped a fire from occurring?
Thanks-

Thyey could have driven a copper rod 50 feet into the ground and it probably would not have mattered.
Lightening is nature's most powerful force. In a residential application and most commercial apps, lightening protection is largely symbolic.
This is an ACT OF GOD....the HO's Insurance carrier is supposed to cover the loss.