What You Need to Know About Lightning Safety

SkyScan P5-3 Lightning Detector FAQ’s

Yes under normal conditions your SkyScan can be used indoors. Similar to a mobile phone your SkyScan sensitivity varies under various locations indoors.

The Model P5-3 uses 6 AA regular non rechargeable batteries. It’s acceptable to use rechargeable AA batteries and a regular recharger. An optional 120v AC adapter is also available for indoor operations.

The Model P5 is accurate within + or – 95 % of the time.

The model P5-3 is the latest version and is an upgraded version of the Model P5-2 .

Improvements include colour LED range lights for easy identification of ranges; upgraded battery power from 1 9volt to 6 AA batteries for longer operating times.

Holding the battery save button for 5 seconds dismantles the auto 5 hour power shutoff.

The Model P5-3 filters out harmless cloud to cloud lightning. Since Cloud to cloud lightning doesn’t hit the ground it is not dangerous.

The Model P5-3 lightning detector is Passive device and omits no signal of any type. The Model P5-3 is only a receiver.

The Model P5-3 should always be used in a vertical position. Electrical equipment (Electro Magnetic Interference) can cause your Model P5-3 to false trigger if used to close. Move or change locations.

All lightning detectors work by receiving Electrical Discharge for lightning and using an algorithm to determine distances. If your unit is alerting without any of the recognizable signs of thunder or lightning it’s most likely to close to electrical equipment that is leaking electricity and causing false alerts. Move the unit further away.


SkyScan Storm Pro 2 (SP2-Y) Lightning Detector FAQ’s

The Storm Pro 2 has been thoroughly tested to be accurate 95% of the time.

Charge the detector fully before using it for the first time. You should turn on the SP2 for the first time BEFORE an active storm is nearby to establish a proper environmental baseline.

Yes. The Storm Pro 2 uses an advanced internal lithium battery.  A 120v AC Adapter with universal international plugs is included, and a 12v Automotive Adapter is available for recharging or operation on the road.

Yes, under normal indoor conditions the Storm Pro 2 can be used indoors. Similar to cell phone connectivity, the sensitivity varies in certain indoor locations based on electrical interference and building construction.

The Model Storm Pro 2 distinguishes and filters out cloud-to-cloud lightning and does not alert. This is not a failure to detect dangerous lightning.

No, the  Storm Pro 2  is a passive device and omits no signals. The P5-3 is exclusively a receiving device.

Although rare, false alarms may be triggered by certain high voltage electrical equipment. Lightning detectors work by detecting and measuring electrical discharge and using an algorithm to determine distance. If the Storm Pro 2 is signaling when there is no active storm within 40 miles, move the device away from possible electrical equipment (and consult an electrician to confirm your equipment is not leaking electricity.)

While the Storm Pro 2 is not waterproof, normal environmental moisture should not damage the instrument. Care should be taken to prevent water intrusion to the device, including heavy rain. Follow drying-off procedures in the Manual if the Storm Pro 2 gets wet.

SkyScan EWS Pro 2 Lightning Detector FAQ’s

The EWS Pro 2 has been thoroughly tested to be accurate 95% of the time.

Charge the detector fully before using it for the first time. You should turn on the EWS Pro 2 for the first time BEFORE an active storm is nearby to establish a proper environmental baseline.

Yes. The EWS Pro 2 features our largest and longest lasting internal battery.  A 120v AC Adapter with universal international plugs is included, and a 12v Automotive Adapter is available for recharging or operation on the road.

The horn on the EWS Pro 2 is 105db, comparable to the volume of a car horn.

Yes, under normal indoor conditions the EWS Pro 2 can be used indoors. Similar to cell phone connectivity, the sensitivity varies in certain indoor locations based on electrical interference and building construction. The EWS Pro 2 is designed for outdoor use, and the horn may be extremely loud indoors. Consider the P5-3 or Storm Pro 2 if the horn is not necessary.

The EWS Pro 2 distinguishes and filters out cloud-to-cloud lightning and does not alert. This is not a failure to detect dangerous lightning.

No, the EWS Pro 2 is a passive device and omits no signals. The EWS Pro 2 is exclusively a receiving device.

Although rare, false alarms may be triggered by certain high voltage electrical equipment. Lightning detectors work by detecting and measuring electrical discharge and using an algorithm to determine distance. If the detector is signaling when there is no active storm within 40 miles, move the device away from possible electrical equipment (and consult an electrician to confirm your equipment is not leaking electricity.)


General FAQ’s

Workers in outdoor and high-exposure environments face the greatest risk. This includes jobs involving open spaces, tall structures, explosives, or conductive materials like metal.

High-risk occupations include:

  • Power utility field repair
  • Logging
  • Explosives handling or storage
  • Heavy equipment operation
  • Plumbing and pipefitting
  • Construction and building maintenance
  • Farming and field labor
  • Telecommunications field repair

Do not begin any task that you cannot stop quickly. Stay aware of daily weather forecasts and watch for early warning signs like strong winds, dark clouds, rain, thunder, or lightning.

If conditions start to change, pause work and prepare to move to a safe location.

Yes. Businesses with high-risk operations should have a formal lightning safety program in place.

At a minimum, it should:

Ensure access to a safe shelter or location

Provide timely warnings so workers can reach safety

Use the flash-to-bang method:
Count the seconds between seeing lightning and hearing thunder.

If it’s 30 seconds or less, you are in immediate danger and should seek shelter right away.

The safest options are:

  • A fully enclosed, substantial building
  • A metal-topped vehicle with the windows up (if no building is available)

Avoid staying outdoors whenever possible.

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    SkyScan P5-3 Lightning Detector

    $219.00

    P5-3 Info Sheet English (PDF)
    P5-3 Info Sheet Spanish (PDF)

    Now with extended operating life powered by 6 “AA” batteries
    (not included)

    The SkyScan Model P5-3 lightning detector is the newest high technology weather monitoring product available anywhere in the world.

    Model P5-3 FAQ’s

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    SkyScan P5-3 Lightning Detector

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    Storm Pro 2 Lightning Detector

    $499.00

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    Storm Pro 2 Lightning Detector

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    $499.00
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    SkyScan EWS-PRO-2 Lightning Detector

    $899.00

    EWS-PRO Info Sheet English (PDF)
    EWS-PRO Info Sheet Spanish (PDF)

    EWS-PRO-2 is the only professional grade portable lightning detector and early warning device available today and NOW- IT’S ONLY BETTER!

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    SkyScan EWS-PRO-2 Lightning Detector

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    $899.00
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    SkyScan FIELD-PRO Permanent Installation

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    SkyScan FIELD-PRO Permanent Installation Lightning Detection and Early Warning System for Schools, Parks, Sports Complexes, Airports and Campuses

    The Field-Pro is a permanently installed lightning detection and warning system and is the industry leader in providing safety from severe weather in large high noise environments. SkyScan products are used today by the US government, NASA, major airlines, and military forces around the world.

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