Why do we need lightning protection?

Why do we need lightning protection?

Why is lightning protection so important? The function of an external lightning protection system is to intercept, conduct and disperse a lightning strike safely to earth. Step and touch voltages generated from a lightning strike can cause injury, or even loss of life, to humans (and animals) in the close vicinity.

Is lightning protection a requirement?

Although lightning protection is not a legal requirement, insurance companies may require churches and prominent historic buildings to have lightning and surge protection. This guidance provides advice on the design of new or improved lightning protection and surge protection systems.

Where is lightning protection used?

A complete lightning protection system according to the Standards includes surge protection devices at every entrance of building service conductors, whether they are utility or possibly structure-mounted like an antenna system.

Why do we require protection against lightning which device is used for the protection?

Their purpose is to limit the rise in voltage when a communications or power line is struck by lightning or is near to a lightning strike. Lightning-produced extreme voltage spikes in incoming power lines can damage electrical home appliances or even cause death. Lightning arresters are used to protect electric fences.

What is lightning protection How does it function and where is it used?

A 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. Lightning protection systems are used to prevent lightning strike damage to structures.

What type of buildings need lightning protection?

Many tall buildings; such as churches and skyscrapers, have lightning protection conductors installed, to avoid significant damage and danger should a lightning strike occur. Lightning conductors are not usually installed on homes, as the likelihood of lightning striking houses is relatively low, but it can happen.

What are some methods of lightning protection?

There are five types of lightning protection systems for protecting structures against lightning:

• Rods,
• Meshed conductors,
• Catenary wires,
• Early streamer emission lightning protection system,
• Protection by «natural» components,

Does lightning protection really work?

No. This is a common misconception about lightning protection. Lightning protection systems and strike termination devices (rods) simply intercept a lightning strike and provide a safe and effective path that takes lightning’s harmful electricity to ground.

What is the primary purpose of a lightning rod?

lightning rod, metallic rod (usually copper) that protects a structure from lightning damage by intercepting flashes and guiding their currents into the ground.

Why is it important to ground a lightning rod?

A lightning rod and its associated grounding conductors provide protection because they divert the current from nonconducting parts of the structure, allowing it to follow the path of least resistance and pass harmlessly through the rod and its cables.

How does grounding protect from lightning?

When a lightning protection grounding network is in place, the strike is intercepted and directed to ground without impact to the structure, occupants or contents.

What are the requirements for lightning protection?

Lightning protection system air terminals shall be pointed, solid round aluminum of 1/2″ diameter or greater and shall project no less than 10″ above the building component or object to be protected from lightning.

How do you test a lightning protection system?

There are two appropriate methods of testing lightning protection earths: ‘Fall of Potential/the 61.8% method’ and ‘Dead Earth’. ‘Fall of Potential’ is the recommended method and involves the electrode under test; two reference electrodes, a set of leads and a four-pole test meter.

When does lightening strike the ground?

Most, if not all, lightning flashes produced by storms start inside the cloud. If a lightning flash is going to strike ground, a channel develops downward toward the surface. When it gets less than roughly a hundred yards of the ground, objects like trees and bushes and buildings start sending up sparks to meet it.

What is a lightning protection system?

Lightning protection system. A lightning protection system is designed to protect a structure from damage due to lightning strikes by intercepting such strikes and safely passing their extremely high currents to ground. A lightning protection system includes a network of air terminals, bonding conductors,…