Does a Lightning Protection System Attract Lightning Strikes?
There is a persistent myth that installing a lightning protection system on a structure will increase the likelihood of that structure being struck and damaged, however, this is simply not true.
There is a persistent myth that installing a lightning protection system on a structure will increase the likelihood of that structure being struck and damaged, however, this is simply not true. A lightning protection system does not attract, repel, or prevent a lightning strike. Instead, it provides a safe path for the lightning to follow, carrying the electrical charge to the ground without causing damage to the structure or its occupants. The system is designed to intercept a lightning strike that would have occurred anyway and provide a controlled path to the ground, preventing fire, structural damage, and injury.
Related Articles
A Critical Review of Lightning ProtectionSystems: Science, Standards, and Safety
1. Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Damage. 2. Ground Reference Potential Change Damage. 3. Strikes to Power and Data Lines Causing Surges.
Read article
Lightning Protection for Substations: NFPA 780 vs. IEC 62305
A comparison of the two primary lightning protection standards — NFPA 780 and IEC 62305 — and guidance on which standard to apply for substation lightning protection design.
Read article
Lightning Protection Down Conductor Size Requirements | NFPA 780 Standards
What is the minimum size of a down conductor for lightning protection? Per NFPA 780, stranded copper conductors must be at least 57,400 circular mils (187 lbs/1000 ft). Aluminum conductors must be at least 98,600 cir. mils (95 lbs/1000 ft). Secondary and bonding conductors require a minimum of 26,240 cir. mils for copper and 41,100 cir. mils for aluminum.
Read article