Consequence of a Direct Lightning Stroke

               Fig, J-6(a): Lightning falls on an unprotected building

•The lightning current flows to earth via the more or less conductive structures of the building with very destructive effects:

–- thermal effects: Very violent overheating of materials, causing fire,

–- mechanical effects: Structural deformation,

–- thermal flashover: Extremely dangerous phenomenon in the presence of flammable or explosive        materials (hydrocarbons, dust, etc.).

The building and the installations inside the building are generally destroyed.