Do generator's attract lightning?

Question

I have a very small (1 feet X 1 feet X 1.5 feet) 650VA fuel powered generator. There has been a lot of lightning strikes in our area which knocks off power for hours. I normally run the generator when there is power failure but I'm scared to run it because it might to attract lightning when its running (generators create a magnetic field, so they say). The generator is kept under a roof (garage).

Is this correct? do magnet's attract lightning strikes? the generator isn't grounded correctly though. Hour house doesn't have a lightning arrestor as well. But we have a lot of tall tree's.

So is it safe to run my small generator inside the garage? Will it invite lightning strikes towards my house?

Thanks

Answer 1

Lightning is a basically an electric arc discharge between points of different potential.

As with any arc, it takes less energy to travel through a shorter 'span' of air ... that's why strikes usually appear in the region of taller structures (including trees). Note that most lightning does not come from the cloud to ground - it flashes from the ground to the cloud. This explains why the tree or structure looks 'blasted' apart from the inside!

Aside from potentially poisoning yourself on the exhaust of the gas generator, there's no additional worry that operating the generator will increase the likelihood of a strike on your garage - or your home.

The magnetic field from the generator is slightly stronger when it is loaded (compared to unloaded) ... but it has no bearing on whether a lightning strike is more likely to occur.

Answer 2

I am in general agreement with the sentiments expressed in the other answers. However, note that ionization around generators is a real issue. (how often do you come away smelling ozone near large generators?). Your small genset is probably a permanent magnet rotor inducing a near sync-speed magnetic field in the stator. There is generally no sparking (such as in dc machines). The current flows and voltage levels are not strong enough to cause ionization. If this was not the case, then ionization would create a shorter electrical path than without - leading to increased probability of a lightning discharge. You are safe. Take heed of the first poster's very real concern - that is a bigger danger than lightening!

Answer 3

Nothing attracts lightning. Lightning may be more inclined to attach to taller structures as the streamers emitted from taller structures are more likely to meet up with the stepped leaders coming down from the clouds.

You should have no worry with operating a generator in a storm if properly wired and GROUNDED per local and national codes.

By the way, more persons have died last two years in the state of Florida from CO poisoning after the Hurricanes than have died from the Hurricanes themselves. Don't operate a generator or any other combustion engine in a closed area without proper ventilation.

Answer 4

Magnets do not attract lightning strikes and the magnetics in your generator have the same strength whether it's running or not.

Added: I just read your Q again and if you're running it in the garage, stop !!! Every year people die from monoxide poisoning from indoor generators.