Lightning can provide a spectacular display of light on a dark night. According to Underwriters Laboratories Inc., this awesome show of nature also causes more deaths and destruction in a typical year than floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes combined. Lightning is the visible discharge of electrical energy. It is often accompanied by thunder -- which is a sonic boom created by the same electrical discharge. This electrical energy seeks a path to ground -- your home, the trees in your yard, or even you can be that chosen path.
What Does a Lightning Protection System Do?
Provides a direct path for the lightning to follow to ground.
Prevents destruction, damage, injury, or death as it travels that path.
What Does a Lightning Protection System Look Like?
Lightning Protection Key
Minimum of two ground rods (electrodes) at least 10 feet deep
Down conductors
Connect gutters or other grounded metals as required
Dormers protected
Antenna mast connected to roof conductor
Air terminals (lightning rods) spaced 20 feet apart along the ridges and within two feet of ridge ends
Air terminals (lightning rods) located within two feet of outside corners of chimney
Roof projections such as weather vanes or satellite dishes should be connected to lightning protection system
Surge protection devices installed at main electrical panel or meter
Surge protection devices installed on electronics in house
