Why Do I Need a Lightning Protection System?

Lightning strikes are one of nature’s most powerful and destructive phenomena. It discharges incredible amounts of electrical energy in just a few seconds.

Research shows that the lightning strike’s average damage can amount to $451 million in a year. The damages are rather obvious:

• Building damages
• Injuries that may lead to death
• Trees parting
• Fires and explosions
• Mechanical disruptions
• And damage to electronic systems in buildings

How do you deal with lightning strikes?

You can protect your building and your systems from lightning strikes by installing a lightning protection system.

The system directs the strike away from your building, dissipating it into the ground in a safe manner.

Lightning protection system components: how it works

The lightning protection system comprises of five parts:

• The air terminals
  Always located on every high projection point of a building, maybe a peak, a dormer, or even a water tank. They help intercept lightning strikes.

• The main conductors
  Conductors connect to the air terminals. They direct the lightning strike deep into the earth, where the strike can safely dissipate.

• Grounding connections
  They provide contact with the ground to dissipate the strike safely.

• Bonds
  These are simply conductors that protect against side flashes. These bonds connect metal objects such as water pipes and ventilation fans to the grounding system, achieving their intended function.

• Surge protector
  They help prevent harmful electrical surges and possible fires caused by lightning strikes. A qualified electrician should install the surge protectors.

All these lightning protection system components are usable in both commercial and residential buildings. For proper installation, seek the services of a professional.

RS Lightning Protection has been installing lightning protection systems for buildings in New Jersey and the surrounding areas for years.

We have the skills, experience and manpower capacity to get the job done right. We also do maintenance and repair. Don’t hesitate to call whenever you need one installed for you.