Lighting - Risk of being electrocuted while taking a shower if it's lightning?

[dman]

Anyone know if the risk of being electrocuted is reduced if a home uses PVC pipes vs coper or other metal pipes?

I know lightning can travel through water, so, there has to be some risk... just curious if the main danger is due to the metal pipes in most homes?

 

[Tripleshot]

I was in the tub bathing one evening when lightning struck the chimney on my tri level home in Colorado Springs. I heard the pop, and the lights flickered. I finished my bath and did not go outside to discover the damage until the next day, as the storm was very violent all night long.

I questioned that as well, my house was drenched in water from the downpour. I can only assume that electricity takes the path of least resistance, and the water outside was an easier path than the water in my tub.

I would say your risk is very low, however, your mileage may vary.

 

[loup garou]

I'd have to say you worry too much.

 

[Jmmsbnd007]

Interesting question. Bump.

 

[Sluggo]

If your house has PVC pipes for water supply, you have other things to worry about.

 

[Colt45]

well.. considering the water is grounded.. whats the issue??

i mean when lightning hits ground in africa, does your house blow up?? bingo.

 

[fatbaby]

you should be afraid! very afraid! don't take that "lightning doesn't hit the same place twice" bs! in fact, the empire state building gets hit over 80x a year!

 

[Orsorum]

Originally posted by: fatbaby
you should be afraid! very afraid! don't take that "lightning doesn't hit the same place twice" bs! in fact, the empire state building gets hit over 80x a year!

So, just don't take a shower on top of the Empire State Building?

 

[Moonbeam]

If what's lightning, the shower. Shouldn't that be ....if it's lightinging?

 

[Masas]

don't shower. EVER.

or wear a rubber suit.

 

[Jmmsbnd007]

Originally posted by: Moonbeam
If what's lightning, the shower. Shouldn't that be ....if it's lightinging?

Step away from the crackpipe...

 

[Jzero]

Originally posted by: Colt45
well.. considering the water is grounded.. whats the issue??

i mean when lightning hits ground in africa, does your house blow up?? bingo.

LOL! Well, the charge dissipates. Have you ever swam in the ocean? It stands to reason that SOMEWHERE on earth, lightning is jumping from a cloud to the ocean, but you're still ok, right?

I think there is a "risk," but I don't know if having PVC pipes affects it at all. I don't think it's a huge risk, either.

 

[Vic]

Only if you're showering outside...

 

[LoverBoyJ]

You should be safe, all houses have an earth ground connection on electrical wirings, water pipes (copper or iron) have been grounded too.

On a shower, water doesnt go all the way to the ground it goes thru PVC piping going to the drainage (which is not conductive), that itself doesn't connect you directly to earth ground. So as soon as lightning strikes or hits your house it is directly to ground since the first conductive material it will probably hit is directly connected to ground. Unless of course if the contractor who builds your house was smoking crack and forgot to connect the earth ground.

Enjoy your bath!!

my $0.02

 

[dman]

If your house has PVC pipes for water supply, you have other things to worry about.

Like what's more to worry about than w/ copper / solder?

On a shower, water doesnt go all the way to the ground it goes thru PVC piping going to the drainage (which is not conductive), that itself doesn't connect you directly to earth ground. So as soon as lightning strikes or hits your house it is directly to ground since the first conductive material it will probably hit is directly connected to ground. Unless of course if the contractor who builds your house was smoking crack and forgot to connect the earth ground.

So, why do they tell you not to take a shower if it's lightning? Maybe they are afraid you'll fall over if the lights go out? Or do people w/ copper pipes get 'cuted touching the faucet during a direct or nearby strike? There has to be some risk that the charge is so great that the path of least resistance (of some or all of it includes) the water and/or copper pipes back to you in the shower/bath. Almost all safety during a storm pages tell you not to shower / bath during electrical storms.

 

[AsukaStrikes]

why are u wasting money on showers when it rains?! its a free shower outside! its how hobos stay ever-so clean

 

[Skyclad1uhm1]

I don't have a bath in my appartment, so I always take showers, and I only have been struck by lightning about 73 times in the past week.

 

[bmacd]

Originally posted by: AsukaStrikes
why are u wasting money on showers when it rains?! its a free shower outside! its how hobos stay ever-so clean

bwaahahahhha

-=bmacd=-

 

[LoverBoyJ]

Originally posted by: AsukaStrikes
why are u wasting money on showers when it rains?! its a free shower outside! its how hobos stay ever-so clean

HAHAHA!! we used to do that when we were kids way back when we were still in asia !!