The 3 Core Components of a Lightning Protection System

When designing or installing a lightning protection system for a structure there are 3 core components required. When lightning strikes it takes the path of least resistance. That is why a lightning protection system needs to have an air terminal, down conductor, and grounding.

Air terminals are either copper or aluminum rods. These provide the intended point of contact for lightning to strike. Without air terminals lightning could strike the structure and cause physical or internal damage to electrical systems or equipment.

Down conductors are the interconnecting wires that tie the air terminals together and route downward from the roof to the ground. These are critical for providing a low impedance path to the ground system.

The grounding system connects to each down conductor by either Cadweld exothermic welding, mechanical clamps, or compression fittings. The ground system can be ground rods, ground mesh, or a ground loop. This system provides the point of contact with the earth for a lightning strike to dissipate into.

Each of these three components are required to be installed together according to UL96A and NFPA780 standards. When this is achieved the lightning protection system will be able to perform as intended to protect the structure, personnel and equipment.