Elements of a Lightning Protection System
1. Air Termination System
Purpose: Capture the lightning strike and safely direct it toward the ground.
Description: Metallic elements installed on the highest points of the building, including:
- Air termination rods: Vertical rods mounted on the roof, chimney, or other elevated points. These are the first to intercept a lightning strike.
- Ridge conductors: Conductors running along the roof ridge, connecting the air termination rods.
- Roof conductors: Conductors spanning the roof surface, linking air termination rods and ridge conductors.
2. Down Conductors
Purpose: Carry the captured lightning current from the air termination system down to the ground.
Description: Thick metallic conductors running down the building facade, connecting the air termination system to the grounding system.
3. Grounding System
Purpose: Disperse the lightning current safely into the earth, preventing damage to the building and harm to people.
Description: Metallic elements buried in the ground and connected to the down conductors. These may include:
- Ground rods: Vertical rods driven into the earth.
- Grounding strips: Metallic strips buried around the building perimeter.
4. Disconnecting Terminals
Purpose: Allow safe disconnection of individual sections for maintenance, repair, or inspection.
Description: Special terminals on the down conductors that can be disconnected and reconnected without tools.
In Plain Language
* The air termination system is the "lightning rod" on the roof that attracts the strike.
* Down conductors are the "wires" that carry the lightning current down the walls.
* The grounding system is where the current gets absorbed and dispersed harmlessly into the earth.
* Disconnecting terminals are "switches" that let you isolate a section of the system for maintenance without shutting down the whole thing.
Quick Summary
- Air termination system: Captures the lightning strike.
- Down conductors: Conduct the current to the ground.
- Grounding system: Disperses the current into the earth.
- Disconnecting terminals: Allow safe disconnection for maintenance.
