The GMC CCKW

This is kind of an off beat question, but Annie the CCKW-Schield-Bantam Crane is left many times with the boom up in the air next to the Pembroke Ordnance Depot (POD) and being somewhat in the open, it is a potential lightning rod.

I was wondering if I should have it grounded with a rod when left that way? Thinking about a tracked crane, that is sort of grounded having metal tracks and all. The difference here is that I am on tires that will offer little arc resistance to a strike.

Comments?

Thanks
Steve AKA Dr Deuce

The show Myth Busters on the Discovery channel did a segment on this,they determined that you are safer in a car during a lightning storm because the rubber tires are insulated,of coarse they did it when dry,so maybe everything being wet would cause conductivity. I know I lost 2 strereos last summer to a single lightning strike,and I'd hate to have a new car with all the computers get hit,but on an older vehicle I don't think much could actually be hurt.

I took a lightning hit in a modern heavy truck afew years ago , the only damage was to my CB but that was a quick and cheap repair.

You are probably right as to safty in your car. I was at my computer a couple of years ago when a thunder storm quickly came up. A bolt of lightning hit the tree in my front yard, as I was looking out the window, and I could see a ball of fire bounce off and hit my house. Thank goodness for the surge protectors to the computers and tv. Everything went off but nothing was fried. Maximum pucker facter on that one.

Because of 14,400 volt power lines running down in front of the POD (Pembroke Ordnance Depot) where I keep the crane, I called the local utility Co and they installed large orange balls on the high voltage line.

When they installed them, I was chatting about the crane and wanting to stay away from these wires. I mentioned that if I did touch the wire, I should be OK with the truck on tires and be able to jump from the crane to the ground w/o touching the crane and ground at the same time.

They told me I would never get out alive........!!!!!


Steve

I know 2 drivers who touched 30,000 volt power lines with tippers,in both cases the tyres on the trucks fried but they both lived to tell the tale.However I also remember a similar incident where the drivers young son was standing near the truck shouting to his father not to move, unfortunately he ignored this advice with fatal results. The lesson to be learned appears to be to stay in the cab until the power is off.