The Lightning Protection System

A lightning protection system performs a simple task.  It provides a specified path on which lightning can travel.  When a home is equipped with a lightning protection system, the destructive power of the lightning strike is directed safely in to the ground, leaving the home, family members and personal belongings unharmed.  It is important to understand that an effective lightning protection system does not attract or prevent a lightning strike, it simply shields the home and provides a direct path to ground for the electrical current to flow.

A lightning protection system should include all of the following elements, which work together to prevent lightning damage.
- air terminals (lightning rods)
- conductor (cable)
- bonds with metallic bodies
- ground terminations (ground rods)
- surge arresters (TVSS or SPD)

Air Terminals-  Also referred to as lightning rods, these inconspicuous copper and metal rods are vertically mounted on the roof at various high points on a house.  Positioned to project above the roofline, the rods are designed to intercept the lightning strike.

Main Conductors- made of copper or aluminum; these cables connect air terminals to grounds.

Grounds- Main conductors are attached to metal grounding rods, which are set at least 10 feet deep in the earth.  As current flows through the rods, the energy is directed into the ground where the chance for injury or damage is effectively eliminated.

Bonds- The bonding connects grounded metal objects to the main conductor cable, to prevent any sideflashes (lightning jumping between two objects).

Surge Arresters- See TVSS

Click the picture below to See a Typical
Commercial/Industrial Layout

Click The Picture Below To See A Typical
Residential Layout