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Lightning
Protection Devices
By Carrie A. Watson
Certified Nursing Assistant,
CPR Certified
The
cost of replacing electronics or dealing with a house fire after a sudden
severe lightning strike is enough inspiration to acquire proper storm
protection.
The
expense of purchasing and installing these devices could develop into large
savings if a strike were to occur and could even save a life.
In
order to make the best decision possible for protection from lightning strikes
it is important to know what is available to ensure you make the best choice
for the situation.
Storm
Lightning Protection
Installing
a lightning protection system is ideal but being prepared if a storm hits if
you don't have one is also important.
The
risk of a building getting hit in a lightning storm is small, but it can occur
and if it does develop, it may cause a fire or other serious damage.
Throughout
a storm, it is important to stay away from any routes a strike may seek once it
has entered the building.
Therefore,
it's important to know where pipes and wires are installed inside the structure
and avoid water sources during a storm.
Combustion
caused by a lightning strike is a real possibility during a thunderstorm. If a
structure is hit, the lightning will pass through other materials before
reaching the conductive material.
The
material in the roof construction, which is usually wood, is where lightning is
most likely to strike first.
Wood
in the roof is often more ignitable than other construction materials. This is
why storm-caused fires typically begin in the attic or roof of a building.
Devices
for Protection From Lightning
Once
you've determined a building needs storm protection, decide what type of
equipment you'll need.
Air
Terminals
Air
terminals, also known as air rods are placed at the top of the building. They
attract lighting and draw it safely to the ground.
· This Lightning
Protection Air Terminal at Alibaba is a simple, yet elegant design.
· For a larger
diameter of protection around a building, this ESE Lightning Protection air
terminal found at Amazon will be a good choice.
· More decorative
air terminals are also available like this DT16B Bronze model.
Down
Conductors
Down-conductors
are also known simply as cables. You attach them so electrical flow leaves the
air terminal and travels down the down-conductor towards the final protection
device.
· To keep things
simple, this copper down-conductor cable provided by Automatic Lightning
Protection is offered by length.
· The cable offered
by DEHN has buying options of aluminum, steel or copper.
· Harger offers
more precise specifications when buying the down-conductor cables for a system.
Ground
Rods
Ground
rods, or rods, are the final protection device in a lightning protection
system. You attach it to the down-conductor and insert it into the ground so
the electricity can escape harmlessly into the earth.
· The Erico
Stainless Steel Ground Rod can be ordered to the specifications that are
required.
· An example of a
galvanized ground rod is found on Amazon that comes equipped with the clamps
necessary for installation.
· Alibaba has a
version of copper ground rods available in various sizes and lengths.
Surge
Arrestors and Protectors
Surge
arrestors or surge protectors protect electronic equipment within a structure
from sudden surges of electricity.
They
do not provide complete protection in a lightning strike but may help protect
plugged-in devices from surges caused by a lightning strike.
Surge
protector strips are the most accessible protection device to find. They are
available at large department or hardware stores and generally range in cost
$10.00 to $40.00.
They
don't require professional instllation. However, keep in mind that while this
type of protection helps guard against electrical surges, they are not
completely protective.
Whole
house surge protectors also protect against electrical surges that may move
through the wiring system within a building.
Whole
house protectors are installed in the home near the breaker box and protect anything
connected to your house's electrical system, while plug in surge protectors
only protect a single outlet.
Whole
house systems range in price from $100.00 to $800.00 and may require
professional installation.
· Walmart has a
good quality surge protector for about $14.00.
· This CE TECH
surge protector is affordable and includes eight outlets available through Home
Depot.
· ncluding a
higher number of outlets, Amazon offers the Opentron surge protector strip.
· The Eaton brand
model whole house surge protector costs around $120.
· Amazon carries
the Intermatic IG2240-IMS Whole House Surge Protector that has modules that are
easily replaced when needed.
· There is an
affordable Bussman whole home product available through Walmart that meets
basic lightning protection requirements.
Optimal
Protection
Purchase
and installation of a complete protective system can be costly, but so can the
replacement of equipment or damage caused by a fire. Optimally, if you are at
risk of a lightning strike, the optimal solution is a combination of surge
protectors, like those you can easily find in electronic stores, whole house
surge protectors that need to be installed in your home, and complete storm
protection devices may be the optimum decision.
· The Thompson
Lightning Protection, Inc. has all the tools and items needed to construct an
entire protection system. This company has equipment for industrial,
commercial, and residential structures available. Most homeowners can expect to
pay anywhere between $300.00 to over $2,000.00 for a system (including
installation).
Factors
to Consider
There
are many factors involved when considering the risk of lightning strikes.
Lightning has only one objective, and that is to correct a charge inequality
that has built up within the cloud system.
To
do that, lightning surges toward the ground and its opposite charge to equalize
the imbalance.
When
lightning strikes an object, it is only because that object is creating an
easier pathway from where it originated to the point where the electricity is
drawn.
Many
materials are conducive to the movement of electricity and can be a possible
channel for a lightning strike to move through.
Consider
how many lightning storms are present in your area, as well as your area's
landscape. A structure in a cooler location may have different lightning risk
considerations one in a warmer climate.
The
conduction factors of the structure, such as pipes and wires that can help
electricity pass into the ground, are also important.
Safety
First
In
light of the expense acquired in the purchase and installation of protective
systems, the decision to add such a device will be based on many factors.
Each
building or structure and the contents held within will determine the worth of
adding such protection.
The
most important factor when determining the need for a lightning protection
device is the safety of whoever is in or around the structure during a storm.
Carrie A. Watson is a journalist, freelance writer and health
enthusiast with over twenty years of experience writing for various
publications. She is an expert in health and integrative medicine with a background
in biological science. She studied molecular and cellular biology and
biochemistry at Colorado State University-Pueblo and holds degrees in biology
and art history.
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