Lightning rods and other protection devices play a vital role in safeguarding homes, businesses and infrastructure from lightning strikes. With climate change increasing the frequency and intensity of storms, it is now more important than ever for property owners to implement proper lightning safety measures. This article explores some of the key lightning protection products available and how they work to shield structures from the powerful surges caused by lightning.
Types of Lightning Protection Products
There are a few main types of lightning protection systems that building owners can install to provide defense against lightning strikes.
Air Terminals
Air terminals, commonly known as lightning rods, are one of the most visible components of a Lightning Protection Products system. They are tall metal rods or spikes placed on the highest points of a structure’s roofline. Their primary function is to intercept lightning by providing a preferential conduction path for the lightning strike. Air terminals will channel the lightning current directly into the grounding system before it can cause damage to the building. Copper is usually the preferred material for air terminals due to its high conductivity.
Down Conductors
Down conductors refer to the grounded conducting paths that extend from the air terminals to the earth termination system below. They are needed to safely transport the high surge of lightning current from the interception point on the roof down to the earth. Down conductors are usually solid or stranded copper cables with minimal resistance. Aluminum is also sometimes used as a cost-effective material for down conductors.
Grounding System
At the lowest level, a proper grounding system embedded underground receives the lightning current from the down conductors. It dissipates the surges harmlessly into the earth. A grounding system usually includes an array of electrodes, mesh or ring connectors buried below permanent moisture level. The electrodes can be made from materials like copper, brass or stainless steel. Together with low-impedance cable connections, the grounding system redirects lightning away from the structure.
Surge Protection Devices
While traditional air-ground systems shield the building envelope, surge protection devices (SPDs) provide an additional layer of defense for vulnerable internal systems. Installed near the building’s main electrical service panel or communication equipment room, SPDs help divert damaging transient overvoltages away from sensitive electronics. Types include power line SPDs, telephone/network SPDs and coaxial cable SPDs. Proper placement and adequate rated units are important for maximum surge suppression effectiveness.
Monitoring and Maintenance
The long-term integrity of a lightning protection system depends greatly on periodic inspection, testing and maintenance of its components. Visual checks for physical damage, corrosion and breakages need to be carried out routinely. Advanced monitoring devices can also help diagnose faults before they compromise the system during a storm. Regular maintenance like cleaning, tightening and ground resistance testing ensures lightning safety is sustained over the lifetime of the installation. Proper record-keeping of all inspection and repair work is equally crucial.
System Certification
For new constructions or major renovation projects, compliance with nationally recognized lightning protection standards becomes mandatory under building codes in many areas. Systems should be engineered and installed according to guidelines set by organizations like UL or NFPA. Final commissioning requires inspection and certification by a lightning protection installer. This formal process validates that the lightning protection meets code requirements as well as manufacturer installation instructions. It also means the system is eligible for product warranties and insurance-backed premises protection plans.
Lightning Risk Management
While no protection is completely foolproof against the sheer destructive power of lightning, a properly designed and maintained lightning protection system installed to code shows proven effectiveness in substantially mitigating lightning damage risks. It functions as the first line of defense for both property and occupants. Beyond installing certified lightning rods and surge arrestors, other targeted risk management steps owners can take include scheduling maintenance during storm season and educating staff on safety procedures during thunderstorms. Comprehensive lightning safety measures offer robust shielding for structures of all types.
Lightning Protection Product Options
There is a wide array available among lightning protection component manufacturers to suit different scales of installation ranging from residential homes to large industrial facilities. Some notable examples are:
– Erico lightning rods: Industry pioneers with UL-listed solid and laminated copper/aluminum rods from 3/4” to 2-1/2” diameter.
– NSSE mega-system: Designed for extra high-risk locations, it features multiple elevated air terminals and buried ground rings.
– Harger down conductors: Durable soft drawn bond stranded copper cables in sizes from 6AWG to 2/0AWG.
– ERICO Fulyap grounding electrodes: Different styles such as concrete-encased ground rods, ground plates and ring grounds for customized installations.
– DEHN surge arrestors: Type 1 and 2 SPDs for main power service, communications and coaxial cabling protection.
– Thorne & Derrick monitoring system: Continuous monitoring through the ThunderTracker probe with remote connectivity via cellular network.
Proactive lightning safety is increasingly important these days. Investing in a high-quality, compliant lightning protection system from a reputable manufacturer helps secure both structures and peace of mind.
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*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author – Vaagisha Singh
Vaagisha brings over three years of expertise as a content editor in the market research domain. Originally a creative writer, she discovered her passion for editing, combining her flair for writing with a meticulous eye for detail. Her ability to craft and refine compelling content makes her an invaluable asset in delivering polished and engaging write-ups. LinkedIn