So it's job is both to provide a path for the lightning strike to reach To bypass building components that might otherwise be damaged. What Are Lightning Protection Systems?Ī lightning protection system provides a safe pathway for energy from a lightning strike to find its way to earth, encouraging the bolt We also provide an ARTICLE INDEX for this topic, or you can try the page top or bottom SEARCH BOX as a quick way to find information you need. We provide information about lightning strikes, lightning hazards, related equipment, sources of lightning protection system installers, and lightning strike risk assessment This article series describes common lightning protection systems, certification, installation, and lightning protection system inspection. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.ĭefinition of & components of a lightning protection system. This is why trees are often shattered by lightning strikes.InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. If lightning travels through porous and water-saturated materials, these materials may literally explode if their water content is flashed to steam by heat produced from the high current. A lightning protection system provides a low-impedance path for the lightning current to lessen the heating effect of current flowing through flammable structural materials. Copper and its alloys are the most common materials used in lightning protection.Ī well-designed, properly installed Lightning protection systems mitigates the fire hazard which lightning strikes pose to structures. The main attribute common to all lightning rods is that they are all made of conductive materials, such as copper and aluminum. The installation must be designed to protect the entire structure not just a small portion or section of the structure. The dissipation of a lightning strike requires correct system design, installation in accordance with UL 96A, NFPA 780 and all listed components correctly installed and connected to earth. What does a lightning protection system consist of?Ī lightning protection system includes a network of air terminals, bonding conductors, and ground electrodes designed to provide a low impedance path to ground for potential strikes. The lightning strike is intercepted and directed to ground without impacting the structure, occupants or contents of the property. Highly conductive copper and aluminum materials are used in a lightning protection system that provides a low resistance path to safely ground lightning’s dangerous electricity. Therefore the lightning rods are strategically installed on the roof, chimneys or other elevated areas. Lightning rods or air terminals are the topmost element of a lightning protection system installation where the initial contact between the lightning strike and system occurs. The main purpose for a lightning protection system is to route the electrical energy from a lightning strike to a less destructive path to ground, rather than letting it travel through the building’s structure, electrical wiring, pipes where it would create a havoc. The down conductors can be ran behind gutter downspouts for less visibility. The cable will be ran behind the ridges and hips to be hidden as much as possible. For this type of installation the down conductors will be exposed from the soffit to the ground.Įxposed: a fully exposed system will have cable and lightning rods on the roof. Partially concealed: a partially concealed system can sometimes be installed on a existing house that has enough access and attic space to run the cable. The only thing visible are the lightning rods. The cable and connections are made in the walls and attic. Here are some types of lightning protection systems that can be designed:Ĭoncealed: a fully concealed system can only be installed during the building of a new house. The experienced engineers at Coastal Lightning Rods will create a perfect design that will protect your property from lightning. The system acts at the point where the lightning strikes keeping the structure of building and it’s occupants safe. A lightning protection system is designed to create a direct path for lightning charge to the ground. The proper implementation of a lightning protection system includes knowledge, craftsmanship, and experience.įailure to design a proper lightning system makes it ineffective. We have a proven record of designing lightning protection systems that protect structural damage to buildings, and failure of internal systems and equipment. More importantly, our lightning protection system design can ensure you have the right infrastructure in place to protect your property and equipment, your people, and your business. Florida based lightning protection system company Coastal Lightning Rods designs lightning protection system in accordance with the current standards and specifications.
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