Lightning strikes can bring thousands of mega amperes of current in the blink of an eye. Such fierce lightning can be disastrous in the absence of lightning protection systems to limit the lightning strike’s voltage and safely ground it. That is why the lightning protection system is so important.
Understanding Lightning Strike
Lightning usually hits the sharpest and tallest object in the area. The earth charge emitted by a higher altitude object reaches the charged streamer on the other side of the cloud faster than the charge on a shorter object. On the other hand, the lightning current aims to reach the ground along the shortest and most conducive way. Lightning protection systems provide a low resistance path for lightning energy discharge, hence mitigating lightning strikes. It helps to keep the building structure intact against intense strikes.
The reason behind installing a lightning protection system
The main reason behind installing a lightning protection system is to transfer its electrical energy to a less destructive path to the ground rather than through the building’s electrical wiring, water pipes, structures, or low voltage cable paths. Lightning protection system does not eliminate the threat of lightning damage that can occur to the structure. Still, they can certainly reduce the damage by sending energy directly to the ground rather than controlling the building freely. In addition to risk assessment, many insurers often require a lightning protection system to comply with coverage requirements. An insurance company may even offer a discount on premiums if your house is equipped with a lightning protection system.
Moreover buying lightning protection equipment from a trusted and well-known company is also critical because no one wants a faulty system against powerful lightning strikes. A company like UBM provide quality lightning protection system ensuring protection against such deadly lightning strikes.
Lightning protection for building structures.
If lightning strikes directly on a building, it first damages the structure of the building. Lightning needs a path to easily obtain a discharge when the current is cut off due to a high resistance path that discharges its weakest point. It is recommended to install a suitable lightning arrester to prevent damage to the building structure. A lightning arrester is a protection device used in both power systems and communication systems to protect the device from high voltage lightning surges. An adequately designed lightning arrester is necessary to cover the building with the arrester’s protective radius. Regarding safety, always appoint a lightning arrester installation specialist that understands the building structure and install it accordingly.
Lightning is an inevitable natural phenomenon. A failure to ground the strike can seriously damage the home and industrial applications. An important thing to keep in mind is that a lightning protection system must be correctly installed. It adds safety and protection to your building instead of the added risk of the wrong installation. Remember, any gaps in the system can be catastrophic for the building’s structure.
