AWS Convergence Technologies, INC

Is the sensor (instrument) mast susceptible to lightning? What can I do about it?

Virtually any outdoor instrument has some susceptibility to lightning. However, AWS has taken extensive steps to minimize any potential damage that could be caused by lightning induced power surges.

A critical step to avoiding damage from lightning induced surges is grounding of your outdoor sensor mast. AWS system installation manuals call for the mast to be electrically grounded in accordance with all applicable building codes. Ensure that this step is completed.

All AWS systems also include un-interruptable power supplies (UPS’s) which serve as a surge suppressor and backup power. It is important that the indoor components of your AWS system are powered by this UPS (Master Control Unit (or Data Logger), Digital Display, and Modem). Your computer should have its own separate UPS (not included with AWS systems). AWS also includes a surge suppressor for incoming phone lines to the weather stations modem (this is a separate unit on older systems). It is very important for modem configurations that the phone line come out of the wall jack, into the phone surge suppressor and then into the modem.

If all recommended steps are taken your system should be well protected. However, in the unfortunate and rare circumstance that your site takes a direct or very near lightning strike there is little that will prevent serious damage to the weather station and other nearby equipment.