The very first lightning protection systems where developed by Benjamin Franklin. To this day lightning protection systems are still in use, providing protection for homes, commercial buildings, towers, factories, and even space shuttle launch pads! Lightning protection is a necessary product that all homes shouldn’t be without. Burley Electrical Services will explain how lightning and surge protection systems work and why your home shouldn’t be without one.
Lightning Protection Design Components
Most people believe that lightning protection systems use a lightning rod to disperse the electrical charge, when in fact there are actually three major components that complete a lightning protection system.
1. Lightning Rods – Lightning rods or also known as Air Terminals is a small standing protrusion that is designed to discharge lightning. There are different types and shapes of rods that are used. Most however, use a tall needle that is either pointed or smoothed with a polished sphere at the tip.
2. Conductor Cables – the conductor cables are thick heavy cables that carry the lightning as it hits the lightning rod down to the ground. The cables are typically installed at the edge of the roof and down the corner of the building. The conductor cables send the electrical charge to the ground rods.
3. Ground Rods – The ground rods are long thick rods that are actually buried deep into the ground. The rods are located around the building or structure it is protecting.
How Do Lightning Protection Systems Work?
All three components work together to discharge and direct the lightning safely away from the structure or building it is protecting. It is important to know what lightning protection systems do and don’t do, to fully understand how they work. First, lighting protection systems do not attract lightning. Second, they do not prevent lightning or drain–as some believe– the electrical charge created by lightning storms. Third, lightning protection systems do protect against surges, especially in sensitive electrical equipment. Lastly, lightning protection systems do protect homes and other structures against fire caused by explosive lightning strikes. They do this by channeling the lightning charge way from sensitive materials of the building.
Benefits of a Building Lightning Protection System
A major factor as to why lightning protection systems are so important is because lightning storms obviously creates lightning. As these storms pass over our homes, they stand the risk of being struck by lightning. There are many conductors for lightning on and around our home. HVAC units, especially those on a roof, can easily be a conductor for lightning. Satellite dishes or antennas are other examples. As you walk around the outside of your home, you may begin to see all of the possibilities that can act as a lightning conductor. Electrical as well as gas or even water lines are at risk and additionally many can cause fires or other damages. To properly protect your home from lightning, you will want to have a lightning protection system added to your home.
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If your home isn’t protected from lightning, Burley Electrical Services can help provide lightning protection for your home. We can help prevent fire and electrical damage to your home and even electronics. Contact Burley Electrical Services today to get your home protected from electrical surges and damages.