Can Lightning Strike WiFi? Check out the Explanation Here

YOGYAKARTA - Whether lightning can strike WiFi again is widely discussed after an Instagram social media upload went viral. The post shows a house in Japara Village, Kuningan, West Java, damaged by lightning. The lightning is suspected of hitting the WiFi device which is still connected to the electricity.

Many people are worried that electronic devices in the home, including modems and WiFi routers, can be the target of lightning strikes. This concern is reasonable because WiFi is always connected to electricity and cable networks. Is it true that lightning can strike WiFi? Quoted from various sources, here is the explanation.

Lightning is a large-scale discharge of static electric charge that occurs between clouds and the earth or between clouds. The voltage of lightning can reach millions of volts with very strong currents. When lightning strikes, its electrical energy will seek the path with the least resistance.

Lightning does not strike the WiFi signal directly because WiFi is a radio wave. Radio waves are not conductive so they cannot be electrified. However, WiFi devices connected to the power cable are still at risk of being struck by lightning.

WiFi devices such as modems and routers are always connected to a power source and network cable. These cables can be a path for the surge of electricity due to lightning. When lightning strikes the electrical installation or network around the house, the current can enter the WiFi device.

In the case in Japara Village, Kuningan, the lightning strike is likely to enter through the house's electrical network. The WiFi device that is still connected is one of the media for the electric current. As a result, there is a strong vibration that damages the room of the house.

Many people think that a WiFi antenna can attract lightning because of its high position. This assumption is not entirely true because the size of the WiFi antenna is relatively small. The main factor remains on the electrical wiring and grounding of the building.

Poor grounding increases the risk of lightning damage. Without a good grounding system, lightning currents are difficult to flow to the ground. As a result, electrical energy spreads to electronic equipment inside the house.

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In addition to WiFi routers, other devices such as televisions and computers are also vulnerable. All devices connected to the electricity are potentially exposed to voltage surges. Therefore, the risk is not limited to WiFi alone. One of the preventive measures is to unplug WiFi and other electronic devices during heavy rain accompanied by lightning.

Installing a lightning arrester system and grounding according to standards can significantly reduce the risk. Good electrical installation is the main key to the safety of electronic devices. This step is important especially in areas prone to lightning.

So that's the discussion of the question of whether lightning can strike wifi, follow other interesting articles at VOI.ID. So as not to miss the latest news, follow and monitor our social media accounts!