By Bertiefox
Maine et Loire,
France 
Is it safe in the polytunnel during a thunderstorm? Just come in from working in the polytunnel out of a very intense thunderstorm. My wife says it makes a 'Faraday Cage' so should be safe, but then, she's the one who will inherit all my wealth (and vegetables!). Are there any physicists on GOY who could tell me if I am safe inside the tunnel or not?
14 Jul, 2010
Answers
Did you get hurt today, Bertie? No. Let us know if you do get electrocuted though ;-)
14 Jul, 2010
Only other risk to consider is whether you have a tall tree or other object near the polytunnel - which could get struck by lightning and could then fall on the polytunnel when you're inside it...
14 Jul, 2010
I'd have thought it depends who your with........... :-)
Same as anywhere else I expect,
14 Jul, 2010
Lol oldsparky!
14 Jul, 2010
You'll be ok with your wellies on!! I knew of an old farmer who got struck by lightening and all he had left on were his wellies:-)
14 Jul, 2010
Thanks for the advice.
All I can say is that I was 'shocked' to see how many weeds have sprung up in the tunnel, and that I have been struck with the idea of growing (low) flowering currents there.
15 Jul, 2010
That a pun, then, Bertiefox, "currents" instead of currants, lol
15 Jul, 2010
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if the frame is metal it will act as a Faraday cage , dont touch the metal though. if it is a plastic frame then it wont be a cage but the shape is less conducive to a strike.
14 Jul, 2010