Lightning can cause complete destruction to structures and buildings that they strike because they carry thousands of ohms of current. The huge amount of current discharged when a strike occurs destroys buildings and plants. It can also injure and kill human beings and animals. To avoid these effects, protection systems have been designed for installation on buildings. The installation is done at the highest point on the building. The system them runs along the height of the structure all the way into the ground. This is worth knowing about Oilfield lightning protection.
Lightning protection systems look like metal rods that points upwards on buildings. A path with least resistance to flow of electric current is provided by these systems for the lightning to flow through. Protection systems work based on this principle. There are four main parts that make up a typical protection system. Each part performs a specific function. They include surge suppressor, copper air terminals, copper clad ground rod and copper cable.
The systems are preferably made from copper because it has excellent electrical conductivity. Other materials like aluminum can be used too however. The protrusions that are seen above structures installed with these systems are called air terminals. These protrusions provide discharge for current from strikes.
A cable connects the air terminals to ground rods. The cable runs to ground rods which are normally buried 10 feet deep in the ground. Existing ground of circuit box and plumbing is used to ground the system. A connection is made between the surge suppressor and the circuit breaker box. This is to allow it to cover the entire electric system. Individual appliances and electronics can also be protected from current surges by installing surge suppressors at each appliance.
Most installer usually install the system in a way that it is concealed and unnoticeable from people. Only the air terminal is made noticeable because it protrudes above the structure. Even if the conductor is not concealed, it soon becomes unnoticeable when it changes color. Color change occurs from bright orange, which is the color for copper to a dull patina.
These systems are usually installed on all kinds of buildings and structures. Examples of structures on which they are installed on include boats, trees, businesses, farm buildings, homes, aircraft, and water tanks among others. The standards observed in the design and installation of these systems come from three main organizations. These organizations are LPI, NFPA, and UL.
The work of arresters is to ensure that the current that comes from strikes find a safe path into the ground. The current will go through any conductor in their path if arresters are not present. Examples of conductors that provide a good path for the current include gas pipes, rooftops, water pipes, phone cables, and electrical lines. The current travels through one or multiple conductors.
A better grounded conductor in the house or surrounding structures can be sought by the current from the strike if it is available. This can result to fires as the current can ignite fuel on its way. Materials such as wood, gasoline and paper can be ignited easily. The huge current can cause serious electrical problems by vaporizing electrical wires too.
Lightning protection systems look like metal rods that points upwards on buildings. A path with least resistance to flow of electric current is provided by these systems for the lightning to flow through. Protection systems work based on this principle. There are four main parts that make up a typical protection system. Each part performs a specific function. They include surge suppressor, copper air terminals, copper clad ground rod and copper cable.
The systems are preferably made from copper because it has excellent electrical conductivity. Other materials like aluminum can be used too however. The protrusions that are seen above structures installed with these systems are called air terminals. These protrusions provide discharge for current from strikes.
A cable connects the air terminals to ground rods. The cable runs to ground rods which are normally buried 10 feet deep in the ground. Existing ground of circuit box and plumbing is used to ground the system. A connection is made between the surge suppressor and the circuit breaker box. This is to allow it to cover the entire electric system. Individual appliances and electronics can also be protected from current surges by installing surge suppressors at each appliance.
Most installer usually install the system in a way that it is concealed and unnoticeable from people. Only the air terminal is made noticeable because it protrudes above the structure. Even if the conductor is not concealed, it soon becomes unnoticeable when it changes color. Color change occurs from bright orange, which is the color for copper to a dull patina.
These systems are usually installed on all kinds of buildings and structures. Examples of structures on which they are installed on include boats, trees, businesses, farm buildings, homes, aircraft, and water tanks among others. The standards observed in the design and installation of these systems come from three main organizations. These organizations are LPI, NFPA, and UL.
The work of arresters is to ensure that the current that comes from strikes find a safe path into the ground. The current will go through any conductor in their path if arresters are not present. Examples of conductors that provide a good path for the current include gas pipes, rooftops, water pipes, phone cables, and electrical lines. The current travels through one or multiple conductors.
A better grounded conductor in the house or surrounding structures can be sought by the current from the strike if it is available. This can result to fires as the current can ignite fuel on its way. Materials such as wood, gasoline and paper can be ignited easily. The huge current can cause serious electrical problems by vaporizing electrical wires too.
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