How can structures be protected from lightning

To protect these buildings, the lightning rod is placed at the top of the building. The rod itself is made of highly conductive material such as copper and is connected to a wire that runs all the way down to the ground.

But the truth is the rods just act as a safer and more effective path for lightning and its associated current. Lightning does tend to strike the tallest object around. How cool is that?

Open in Our App. Download it here. It's very important that these components be properly connected bonded to minimize the chances for any sparks or side flashes. While lightning rods help protect a structure from a direct lightning strike, a complete lightning protection system is needed to help prevent harmful electrical surges and possible fires caused by lightning entering a structure via wires and pipes. A complete system also includes electrical surge protection devices for incoming power, data, and communication lines; and surge protection devices for vulnerable appliances.

If the structure does not have a lightning rod, lightning will normally strike the highest point of the building and look for a way to earth in an uncontrolled way; through antennas, concrete structure, pipes or cables. This current flow can cause breakages, sparks and damage to people and equipment inside. In these cases, the hazard increases when the structure contains toxic, flammable or explosive products, being able to extend the damage beyond the impacted structure.

In addition, when the lightning current is dispersed in the ground , it can cause serious injuries to people and even death due to the step voltage. As for the electrical and telecommunications supply lines telephone, television, Internet , as they penetrate the structures from the outside, can actually introduce part of the lightning current into a building, even if it disposes of lightning rods.

Including surge protection devices within the lightning protection system is essential if lines are aerial and are not shielded and can also depend on their length, as the risk of lightning impact effects on people is greater.

Lightning current and overvoltages in lines can affect safety equipment elevator safety brakes in high-rise buildings, for instance or provoke sparks in areas with explosion risks. Therefore, to avoid the consequences of lightning strikes on structures and supply lines, an integral system of protection against lightning is necessary, consisting of lightning rods, conductors and accessories, surge protectors and an adequate earthing system.

For further information on how to protect structures, buildings or supply lines from lightning, you can contact us here. Upcoming free online webinars for professionals: november and december If you want to participate in these training sessions, find the topic that interests you in your language, the course organized for your country and check the schedule.

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