lightning

[WDavidG]

This interesting story on this morning's NPR 'When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors' To Best Avoid Lightning's Pain : Shots - Health News : NPR led to a breakfast conversation about how safe a FB trailer is in a lightning storm. Is it safe or should one move to the vehicle until the storm passes - not enticing if the storm hits in the middle of the night but likely the safest thing to do? My memory from long-ago physics courses is that most vehicles are relatively safe because of the Faraday effect of current conducted around an enclosed cage or container made of a conducting material (eg steel-bodied vehicle). This isn't a benefit in a fiberglass shell - there isn't much between you and the steel frame grounded by the jacks (and the lightning has passed through miles of air already so pulling up the jacks likely doesn't help much).

Any thoughts?

[Bob in Mb]

I vote for the vehicle , probably safer in case of falling trees or poles that may also be struck and fall .

[honda03842]

WE lived in a 25 foot tall fiberglass structure on a hill top. Oak trees surrounded us, taller than the domes. Though a couple of trees about 20 feet from the dome had their bark split, no dama ge was ever done to the dome.

[Raz]

My money is with Mr. Faraday

[steelypip]

Car = Faraday cage. FGRV, not so much unless there's a conductive layer included in the layup. Incidentally, the Nest people might consider that...

[floyd]

Originally Posted by Bob in Mb

I vote for the vehicle , probably safer in case of falling trees or poles that may also be struck and fall .

I vote for the trailer, it has all comforts and I can peacefully sleep or have a snack and enjoy the light show!