Residential and commercial structures are usually predisposed to several perils that lead to disastrous outcomes. Thus, the structures have to be fitted with lightning protection systems. They are integrative developments pioneered by constructors so as to abide by the set engineering codes and regulations. They are also used when launching space shuttles to discharge static charges since they are highly vulnerable to thunder sparks.
The LPS entails the use of latest conducting components. The exposed component that is found on the artic part of a structure is the air terminal rod which has a protrusion with a sphere head. They are used for lightning discharge. The rods usually connect to the conductor cables which convey the charge to the earth. The current conducts through the ground rods where they are buried deeper in the ground near the building or structure being protected.
The components are grouped into either external or internal protection system. They are all aimed at protecting the structure from potential fire, mechanical destruction and people from injury. The external components usually intercept the strikes through the air-terminals to discharge them to earth via the down-conductor system. Current distribution takes place on the ground via the earth-termination system.
Internal protection systems specifically protect the structures from perilous sparking that can arise upon the strike of thunder. This is attained by setting up a bonding connection that ensures the distance of separation between the system installed and other electrically conducting elements in the structure. The bonding is equipotential and thus it interconnects all the other conductors in the system by surge protective devices.
In a structure that lacks the protective system, the lightning spike can conduct through any electrically conducting material or component. They include; water in taps, electric cables, gas pipes, phones, and even the roof if it is made of steel. However, installing the systems does not necessarily prevent the thunder from striking but creates a safe and convenient path where the discharged currents will flow to the ground. The external components team up to carry the massive current down the building.
The current generated from a thunderstorm spike is usually high to protect by use of in-house power supply equipment such the UPS and surge protectors. Thus, the best and most effective way to protect your electrical devices from such strikes is the by unplugging all power cables and telephone connections when a major thunderstorm strikes near your structure. In addition, you can also ensure such devices under a specific policy if you reside in thunder sensitive locations.
Nevertheless, the LPS installed in your structure do not hinder lightning from striking. They are principally used to create a better and safer path to discharge the current to the near ground. The process requires the use of the right components for it to be effective. It is also advisable to disconnect the devices from power sources in times of austere storms.
Therefore, buildings are mandated by the law to be incorporated with the system for purposes of protecting the electric devices and people. An unprotected building has a higher degree of facing a strike which can be very catastrophic. Thus, LPS should be given priority in the structural construction of buildings.
The LPS entails the use of latest conducting components. The exposed component that is found on the artic part of a structure is the air terminal rod which has a protrusion with a sphere head. They are used for lightning discharge. The rods usually connect to the conductor cables which convey the charge to the earth. The current conducts through the ground rods where they are buried deeper in the ground near the building or structure being protected.
The components are grouped into either external or internal protection system. They are all aimed at protecting the structure from potential fire, mechanical destruction and people from injury. The external components usually intercept the strikes through the air-terminals to discharge them to earth via the down-conductor system. Current distribution takes place on the ground via the earth-termination system.
Internal protection systems specifically protect the structures from perilous sparking that can arise upon the strike of thunder. This is attained by setting up a bonding connection that ensures the distance of separation between the system installed and other electrically conducting elements in the structure. The bonding is equipotential and thus it interconnects all the other conductors in the system by surge protective devices.
In a structure that lacks the protective system, the lightning spike can conduct through any electrically conducting material or component. They include; water in taps, electric cables, gas pipes, phones, and even the roof if it is made of steel. However, installing the systems does not necessarily prevent the thunder from striking but creates a safe and convenient path where the discharged currents will flow to the ground. The external components team up to carry the massive current down the building.
The current generated from a thunderstorm spike is usually high to protect by use of in-house power supply equipment such the UPS and surge protectors. Thus, the best and most effective way to protect your electrical devices from such strikes is the by unplugging all power cables and telephone connections when a major thunderstorm strikes near your structure. In addition, you can also ensure such devices under a specific policy if you reside in thunder sensitive locations.
Nevertheless, the LPS installed in your structure do not hinder lightning from striking. They are principally used to create a better and safer path to discharge the current to the near ground. The process requires the use of the right components for it to be effective. It is also advisable to disconnect the devices from power sources in times of austere storms.
Therefore, buildings are mandated by the law to be incorporated with the system for purposes of protecting the electric devices and people. An unprotected building has a higher degree of facing a strike which can be very catastrophic. Thus, LPS should be given priority in the structural construction of buildings.
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