Q.. What is the difference between lightning rods and lightning protection?
A. Usually when people refer to “lightning rods” they often are referring to a “lightning protection system.” Lightning rods, as discussed above, are one piece of a system for lightning protection. Therefore, in particle terms, “lightning rods” and “lightning protection systems” are synonymous.
Q. How much should I pay for lightning protection
A. The cost can only be determined when information about the size, configuration, construction, and complexity of the roof line of your home is known. Also, ground conditions around your home is essential to plan for a good grounding system. The cost may be more affordable than you think and the best way to get the answer this question is to seek competitive proposals for a lightning protection system a no risk, no cost, and no commitment by you.
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Q. Do lightning rods attract lightning
A. Often this question is answered as “No.” The full answer to this question is complex and it not as simple as an unambiguous “No.” Lightning rods are designed to intercept a lightning strike that might otherwise strike an area of your home and provide a pathway to the ground. To that extent, lightning rods do attract lightning, but the alternative is disaster. Lightning rods do not attract lightning from far distances as the question implies. If lightning strikes your lightning rod, you can be very sure that that lightning strike would have hit your home to a potentially disastrous effect if you did not have a lightning protection system installed.
Q. Do lightning rods and lightning protection systems prevent lightning from striking?
A. Lightning rods and lightning protection systems are designed to provide a safe path for lightning energy to go to ground and avoid fire, explosions and destruction of your home and other buildings. They do not prevent lightning from striking.
Q. How do lightning rods and lightning protection systems work?
A. Lightning rods are placed at specific locations and intervals on all the highest and most exposed parts of a structure. These rods become the most likely point for the lightning streamer to attach, since they represent the shortest path to ground. The rods are connected by a network of highly conductive cables that provide a low-resistance path to ground rods at each down conductor location.
Q. Is lightning protection system required for some buildings?
A. The regulations and guidelines for lightning protection system are different in various parts of the country. Some Federal agencies require lightning protection, other agencies have requirements that if lightning protection is to be installed it must comply with LPI, UL and NFPA standards and requirements. It is commonplace for lightning protection systems to be installed on schools, hospitals, health care facilities, airports, shopping centers, office buildings, manufacturing facilities, etc.
Q. What is the probability of my home getting hit by a direct lightning strike?
A. At any given moment there are over 2000 thunderstorms happening somewhere in the world. Over 100 lightning strikes occurs every second somewhere on the earth. The US alone has more than 40 million lightning strikes each year. Any given square mile in the US can expect approximately 40 strikes per year. The US Fire Administration reported in 2002 that it estimated 17,400 structural fires are caused by lightning each year. Financial losses per lightning fire are nearly twice that of fires caused by other means.
Q. Does a steel frame building need lightning rods and lightning protection system?
A. Even though a structural steel building does afford a level of lightning protection, it still needs a lightning protection system that provides the necessary interconnections and bonding to the grounding system. Bonding and connections are also necessary to ensure lightning induced potential can dissipate harmlessly to ground and avoid arcing or side-flashing. Without proper bonding of systems such as electrical, plumbing, or HVAC systems to the lightning protection system dangerous arcing may occur and cause fires, explosions, etc.
Q. Are cables required on my roof for a lightning protection system?
A. Cables (aka conductors) are required to provide two paths to ground from each lightning rod. These conductors can be aluminum or copper and are installed to be as inconspicuous as possible. In some buildings, these conductors can be run concealed under the roof, leaving just the lightning rods exposed. The structural metal of a building or lanai can often be used in lieu of conductors. This also limits the number of roof conductors that you will see.
Q. Do lightning rods and a lightning protection system really work?
A. The design of a lightning protection system is part technology, part science and part art. The NFPA has maintained a standard for lightning protection for 100 years. The standard is continually updated and edited to incorporate new findings. The NFPA’s standard is based on the same practices and principles as standards for lightning protection all over the world. The FAA, NASA, Dept of Energy, and DoD typically include lightning protection systems in building projects. A federal report issued in 2004 that reviewed the technical validity of lightning protection concluded that lightning protection systems are critical to protecting our national infrastructure. The American Meteorological Society issued a similar paper in early 2003.
Q. Do trees offer lightning protection for my home?
A. Trees often have their own lightning rods and lightning protection system. Threes alone do not provide lightning protection and in fact could cause lightning side flashes to homes after being hit by a lightning strike.
Q. Do home insurance companies offer a discount for installing lightning rods aka a lightning protection system?
A. This depends on the area and the insurance company. Best advice is to check with your insurance agent.
