It is statistically proven that strong atmospheric disturbances occur more frequently. Every year, about two million lightning strikes hit Germany. They generate 100,000 A (100 kA) of current and 10 million volts (10 MV) of voltage. Lightning strikes in the immediate vicinity can also exert significant field strengths on antenna systems. Generally, people protect their buildings with lightning protection systems and surge protection devices.

The threat to electronic devices from strong electromagnetic disturbance fields, which build up in pulses, is far more common than a direct lightning strike. Insurance companies have claimed that in around 11,000 electronic damage cases, "surge" was a common factor in 33% of the claims.

Devices with internal lightning protection and potential equalization are protected against such damage. They quickly divert the voltage induced in the wiring system of the field by the lightning into the ground.