An entire lightning strike employs both upward and downward moving forces. However, the return stroke of a lightning bolt travels FROM THE GROUND INTO THE CLOUD and accounts for more that 99% of the luminosity of a lightning strike. In other words, what we see as lightning does indeed travel from the ground into the cloud." As one who has had multiple "near-misses" and actually witnessed Ball Lightning and St. Elmos Fire, always good to see accurate educatiion on the topic!
I have a 2003 U320 Foretravel motorhome. Very high end when built. No hydraulic jacks, all air leveling (air bags, 12 volt air compressor to keep it level while parked).
So only our shore power cord to pedestal, sewer hose, water hose, and tires connect us to the ground.
The tires are thicker than the snap pads (with air space included). More protection??
My thoughts are anything that provides greater resistance to ground over a ground rod driven into the ground will benefit from the whiplash lighten effect. Snap pads I suspect do not contain electrically conductive carbon and steel belts that automotive tires typically do. The snap pads would not need to contain a conductive material like tries. However, anything that coats tires or snap pads that is conductive will reduce electrical resistance, like dirt. Both clean, dry tires and snap pads will help to increase resistance and reduce current flow. I think in all cases, it is about lowering the electrical potential that can pass though an RV based on the high electrical potential of lightening. I think the snap pads would act like a spark gap device, blocking current until its potential jumped through the snap pad. Tires and other ground connections may offer resistance to reduce the current flow to perhaps low enough levels minimal or no damage would occur. In any case, your rig is better off than a rig using snap pads because unless they lift all their rigs tires off the ground, they are no more protected than your rig.
Mike, Many RVers use wood under the levelers. I wonder how well this will insulate instead of the snap pads? Chuck
Thank you. Very well explained for simple minds.
Nice to see another source identify that lightning is actually bi-directional! From NOAA: https://www.noaa.gov/jetstream/lightning/frequently-asked-questions - "Does lightning travel from the cloud to the ground, or from the ground to the cloud?
An entire lightning strike employs both upward and downward moving forces. However, the return stroke of a lightning bolt travels FROM THE GROUND INTO THE CLOUD and accounts for more that 99% of the luminosity of a lightning strike. In other words, what we see as lightning does indeed travel from the ground into the cloud." As one who has had multiple "near-misses" and actually witnessed Ball Lightning and St. Elmos Fire, always good to see accurate educatiion on the topic!
I have a 2003 U320 Foretravel motorhome. Very high end when built. No hydraulic jacks, all air leveling (air bags, 12 volt air compressor to keep it level while parked).
So only our shore power cord to pedestal, sewer hose, water hose, and tires connect us to the ground.
The tires are thicker than the snap pads (with air space included). More protection??
My thoughts are anything that provides greater resistance to ground over a ground rod driven into the ground will benefit from the whiplash lighten effect. Snap pads I suspect do not contain electrically conductive carbon and steel belts that automotive tires typically do. The snap pads would not need to contain a conductive material like tries. However, anything that coats tires or snap pads that is conductive will reduce electrical resistance, like dirt. Both clean, dry tires and snap pads will help to increase resistance and reduce current flow. I think in all cases, it is about lowering the electrical potential that can pass though an RV based on the high electrical potential of lightening. I think the snap pads would act like a spark gap device, blocking current until its potential jumped through the snap pad. Tires and other ground connections may offer resistance to reduce the current flow to perhaps low enough levels minimal or no damage would occur. In any case, your rig is better off than a rig using snap pads because unless they lift all their rigs tires off the ground, they are no more protected than your rig.
Of course the snapads would have to be inspected for cracks and tears every time you use them.
A very good point!