What happens when lightening hits a Warship's mast?

2020-01-15T05:48:10-05:00

I'm wondering what happens if/when a lightening bolt hits a Warship's mast? What are the built-in safety measures to prevent damage? I'm asking (after all these years) because in '96, I witnessed a lightening strike on an anchored sailboat at distance of 50yards from my small boat position (thankfully, I was able to get tied up before the storm hit full bore) on the dock and it's been bugging me ever since. There was no fire subsequent to the strike. To me, it sounded like the hounds of hell had just kicked in the door and threw a flash-bang in the room before getting their party started, and to this day it's left me extremely jumpy when lightening is in my immediate vicinity. Any Electronic Techs want to weigh in?

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Jan 15 at 2020 6:32 AM

2020-01-15T06:32:28-05:00

I suspect they have taken precautions for this.

Response by SPC Joseph Kopac made Jan 15 at 2020 7:54 AM

2020-01-15T07:54:56-05:00

Just repaired a radio on the railroad tracks in the middle of nowhere. It was hit by lightning. Beautiful sunny day. Just put my tools into my van and this ugly black cloud appeared. Was back in my van and now the sky was black in just a few minutes. My hair stood up and bang, the radio got hit again. Scared the $hit out of me. I respect lightning. Some say a bolt is hotter than the surface of the sun.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2020 8:27 AM

2020-01-15T08:27:47-05:00

Yikes!!!!!!!!

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Jan 15 at 2020 10:48 AM

2020-01-15T10:48:25-05:00

As Chief Engineer, I never really worried about it (other than the XO screaming to sail through rain showers for a free fresh water wash down). The mast does have a lightning rod that channels the bolt down to the bottom of the hull, where the energy dissipates into the ocean. There is probably some collateral electrical overload issues inside the ship, but circuit breakers and fuses take care of that, and then you just go out and repair whatever damage that occurred. I am sure there could be some danger to sailors, but, I don't ever remember having procedures for lightning storms, and I sailed through a bunch of storms. Wish I had a better answer PO1 John Johnson, but I am sure smaller civilian craft have similar protection.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jan 16 at 2020 4:23 PM

2020-01-16T16:23:15-05:00

Lightening is going to follow the path of least resistance to ground (electronic ground not necessarily dirt). If the mast has a lightening rod type system built in to take the bolt to ground at a harmless location, then little damage may happen. Otherwise, the bolt will find its way to ground and "fry" anything it touches on the way. Electronic equipment close to the path of the bolt through the structure will most likely be damaged or destroyed.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2022 7:28 AM

2022-10-17T07:28:56-04:00

Lightning rod down the mast with grounding points throughout the ship to help further prevent. But let’s say worst case scenario, lightning rod/grounding failure.

Destroyed radios, cables, antennas. Possible fire due to overload on cables anywhere between the mast down to CIC/Radio or the bridge
Very angry CO and Deck officers, pissed ETs/EMs, and a little more grumpy SK.