With more and more facilities and homes being made from containers, there are understandable concerns about shipping containers and lightning. In this post we are going to hopefully answer all your questions and allay your concerns.
If you are living or working in a container, we understand your concerns about lightning.
Shipping containers are essentially metal boxes. Because shipping containers are made of steel, they will become conductors if hit by lightning.However, if a container is grounded, the shell will act as a Faraday shield and the electricity will be conducted around the outside without affecting its contents.
What happens if I am inside a container when a storm hits?
If your container is resting directly on the ground and lightning hits the container, the electricity will pass around the outside of the container and into the ground. It is very unlikely that the electricity will hit, electrocute, or damage the interior of the container. If you are inside the container when a storm occurs, avoid touching anything that fastens or connects to the exterior of the container.
What about containers that aren’t placed directly on the ground?
In the interests of durability, many container homes and other modified containers are placed on a platform of wood, concrete, or even tires. This prevents the floor of your container from rusting, thereby prolonging its lifespan. In such cases, it is best to install a lightning rod. This way, if lightning hits, the lightning rod will provide the electricity with a direct path to the ground, keeping you and the contents of your container safe.
