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What is
Lightning Protection?
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There's
Nothing Magical About Good Lightning Protection.
A lightning protection system performs a simple task.
It provides a specified path on which lightning can
travel. When a building is equipped with a lightning
protection system the destructive power of the lightning
strike is carried safely into the ground, leaving the
structure, its contents and its occupants unharmed.
A lightning protection system does not attract, repel
or prevent a lightning strike. Modern lightning protection
systems are installed to blend with the style and materials
of a structure, making the system practically undetectable
from the ground.
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The
Primary Components
Lightning
protection systems consist of numerous components which
are constructed from highly conductive copper or aluminum
alloys. A lightning protection system is intended to last
the life of the structure it protects and only requires
maintenance in the event that the protected building is
changed structurally.
A lightning protection system includes all of the following
elements, which work together to prevent lightning damage.
- Air terminals (lightning rods)
- Conductors (special braided metal cables)
- Bonding connections to metallic bodies within
the structure
- Ground terminations
- Surge Suppression
Electronic
Protection
Modern
structures are especially vulnerable to the havoc that
lightning can wreak on sensitive electronic equipment.
To assure the highest level of protection, UL -listed surge
arrestors should be installed on electrical service panels.
Arrestors are the first line of defense against the harmful
electrical surges that can enter a structure via power
transmission lines. By filtering and dissipating the harmful
surges, arrestors prevent electrical fires and protect
against electrical transient voltage that can damage a building's
electrical system. For additional protection, UL-listed transient
voltage surge suppressors can be installed to protect specific
electronic pieces of equipment. A qualified lightning protection
specialist can make recommendations for surge protection
that is tailored to the specific needs of a facility.
Quality
Counts
It is
essential that lightning protection systems are installed
by trained, qualified lightning protection specialists.
for quality assurance all materials and methods should
comply with nationally recognizes safety standards for
lightning protection as established by Underwriters Laboratories
and the National Fire Protection Association.
Contact us for a specialist in your
area.
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