How Do I Protect My Generator from Lightning?
Storm’s brewing and your generator’s sitting outside like a metal lightning magnet. The short answer? You can protect it — with proper grounding, surge protectors, and some smart positioning. Stick around and we’ll show you how to keep your power humming through Australia’s wildest weather.
The Risk of a Lightning Strike on Your Generator
How a Lightning Strike Impacts Your Generator
Lightning isn’t just a flash in the sky — it’s a destructive force. When it hits, it can send a surge of power straight through your generator’s systems. That surge can fry wires, melt circuits, and leave you with a very expensive paperweight.
And here’s the thing — even if it doesn’t completely kill your generator, it can cause slow, sneaky damage. The kind that comes back to bite you later when you really need it to start up.
Do Generators Attract Lightning?
Not exactly. Your generator isn’t shouting, “Hit me!” every time a storm rolls in, but it can become an easy target if it’s placed wrong. If it’s out in the open or near tall trees or structures, it's more likely to cop a hit.
Because generators are made from metal and often installed outside, they're naturally vulnerable. A poor setup makes it worse — think of it as leaving your gear out with a “please destroy me” sign.
How to Protect Your Generator from Lightning
The Importance of Grounding Your Generator
Grounding is the first thing you should do if you want your generator to survive a storm. It gives lightning somewhere else to go — straight into the earth instead of through your gear.
There are a few good ways to do it:
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Single rod grounding: Drive a metal rod deep into the ground and connect it to your generator. Basic, but effective.
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Multiple rods: Use more than one rod to reduce resistance — better for larger setups.
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Plate grounding: A flat metal plate buried in the soil. Great for areas where rods don’t work well.
Make sure the cables are properly attached, corrosion-free, and compliant with Aussie electrical codes. And if in doubt, get a licensed electrician to sort it.
Protecting Your Generator with Specialized Devices
Next step? Surge protection. These clever little devices soak up or deflect extra voltage before it can reach your generator’s guts.
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Portable generators: Use plug-in surge protectors. They're compact and easy to add to your setup.
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Standby generators: Go for a whole-house surge protector. It’ll shield everything, including your generator.
If you’re in a storm-prone spot, go the extra mile with a proper lightning protection system:
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Lightning arresters
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Air terminals (aka lightning rods)
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Grounding electrodes
Add in a weatherproof or soundproof enclosure, and you’ve seriously boosted your defences. It also keeps the rain, dirt, and possums out.
Generator Protection Myths and Other Considerations
Can a Fuel Stabiliser Protect a Generator from Lightning?
Let’s set this one straight — no, fuel stabiliser won’t save your generator from lightning.
It’s great for keeping your fuel fresh and stopping your generator from sputtering after a few months in the shed. But it does nothing for electrical surges, grounding, or storm protection.
If someone tells you it helps with lightning, smile politely and change the subject. Focus your efforts where they matter — surge protection, grounding, and proper placement.
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- Can You Take a Generator Camping?
- What Generators Are Made in Canada?
- What Is the 20-20-20 Rule for Generators?
- Are Generators Affected by Extreme Weather?
- What Is Voltage Sag or Brownout Caused by Generators?
