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.
Air terminals are connected through a cable that leads to ground rods. Grounds are buried 10 feet below the ground surface. The grounding of the system is done to the existing ground of the circuit box and water pipes. Surge suppressors are usually connected to the circuit breaker box so that they can cover the whole electric system. They are sometimes placed at individual electronics or appliances to protect them from current surges.
The major part of the system is hidden sight by most installers. The terminals are the only parts that are visible since they have to protrude into the air. The color of the copper cable turns from conspicuous orange to dull patina as the cable weathers over time.
All kinds of buildings and structures can be installed with these systems. Boats, businesses, farm buildings, aircraft, homes, water tanks, and trees are examples of structures installed with arresters. There are certain standards in place that govern the design and installation of these systems. The standards are set by three organizations in the US, that is, LPI, UL, and NFPA.
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.
Air terminals are connected through a cable that leads to ground rods. Grounds are buried 10 feet below the ground surface. The grounding of the system is done to the existing ground of the circuit box and water pipes. Surge suppressors are usually connected to the circuit breaker box so that they can cover the whole electric system. They are sometimes placed at individual electronics or appliances to protect them from current surges.
The major part of the system is hidden sight by most installers. The terminals are the only parts that are visible since they have to protrude into the air. The color of the copper cable turns from conspicuous orange to dull patina as the cable weathers over time.
All kinds of buildings and structures can be installed with these systems. Boats, businesses, farm buildings, aircraft, homes, water tanks, and trees are examples of structures installed with arresters. There are certain standards in place that govern the design and installation of these systems. The standards are set by three organizations in the US, that is, LPI, UL, and NFPA.
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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