Everything You Need To Know About Lightning Conductors and Their Installation Process

Lightning is a powerful and mesmerizing yet devastating natural phenomenon. They’ve been known to strike trees and people as well as destroy buildings with a single strike. Fortunately, we can safeguard ourselves and our structures today with lightning protection systems.

Moreover, lightning conductor installation is one of the key aspects of a lightning protection system. It would be fair to say that the entire system would be rendered useless without a conductor. Our lightning protection systems and each component have come a long way over the years. It is worth understanding the science behind this to make sense of the system.

Consequently, we bring you this guide to learn more about lightning conductors in the UK. We’ll take a look at its history and scientific developments in the field along with the installation process. Besides, we’ll also take a quick look at maintenance and finding a lightning protection company.

Lightning Conductor | Role in a Lightning Protection System

When it comes to protecting domestic and commercial properties, lightning conductor installation plays a crucial role. They’re essentially the first line of defense against potential lightning strikes. As such, we make sure to place the lightning conductor for the house at the highest point. Although, this is not as easy as it sounds!

We first assess the property and surrounding buildings, structures, and high points as a whole. With this information, we must calculate the best spot for the conductor. Also, a lightning conductor offers the following benefits:

• It attracts lightning, and this action protects the rest of the building and natural entities on the property, including tall trees.
• It will be linked to the rest of the systems. This, in turn, ensures that the energy from the strikes travels through the system and dissipates in the ground (ground terminal).

Lightning conductors are metal rods that are made of copper or aluminum. These materials are used to guarantee that they’re highly conductive. They were then installed on the highest points of the building. And, when lightning struck, the rods conducted the electricity safely to the ground.

The Evolution Of Lightning Conductors

In ancient Greece, Philosopher Thales of Miletus first noted that rubbing amber generated an electric charge. It laid the groundwork for further learning. Then, in the 18th Century, we can credit Benjamin Franklin and his kite experiment that connected lightning to electricity. Thus, we understood that lightning strikes expend electricity, leading to the fantastic protection systems we have today.

In Modern Times!

Over the years, we’ve learned about lightning even more. Consequently, lightning conductors in the UK have evolved quite a bit.

• To increase the durability and conductivity of lightning conductors for houses, we now use stainless steel and copper alloys.
• Moreover, the grounding systems we use have also been through many upgrades. Thus ensuring that lightning is safely dissipated with no damage to buildings or the system itself.

The Installation Process

Installing lighting conductors in the UK is a relatively easy process. There are three main aspects to this.

Site Survey

Surveying the site is the first step to an effective lightning protection system. Here the building’s size, location, structural materials, and surrounding structures are assessed. Then, accordingly, we choose the best placement of lightning conductors in the UK. In addition to this, we learn the best system and where to place grounding terminals.

Rod Placement

Rod placement is one of the crucial aspects of lightning conductor installation. Not only should it be at the highest points of the structure, but be strategically placed. Besides, their height promises that lightning strikes the protection system rather than the building.

Grounding System

Additionally, the grounding system is as important as the lightning conductor for the house. The grounding terminals should be buried in the ground. Their role is to offer a release for the high energy of the lightning. It will keep the system functioning.

Lightning Testing and Maintenance

Maintenance is crucial to ensure your lightning protection systems are functioning. Periodic Lightning Conductor Testing near You ensures that the system is still effective. Further, these routine inspections test all components of the system.

• First and foremost, the lightning conductor and other components are checked for conductivity.
• Then, they’re assessed for any damage, cosmetic or otherwise.
• Finally, they will also test the ground conductor. It is often placed with a chemical backfill to ensure it has soil resistivity and to avoid rusting. 

*The engineers will replace any parts showing damage.

Finding Lightning Protection Companies in the UK

Hiring a trustworthy company is paramount to make sure your home is safe. Luckily, it’s easier than ever to sift through the many companies offering the same service. Also, here are a few things you can do.

• Research online for ‘lightning protection companies in the UK,’ or ‘Lightning Conductor Testing Near Me’ to find a list of companies.
• Check Industry Associations and look for companies with industry associations such as LPI, ATLAS, etc. Further, you can use their directories to find a good organization.
• Also, ask for recommendations. Check with your friends, family, and colleagues to see if they have suggestions/referrals.
• Time to check their website! Visit the websites of the companies you’re considering. Read the information they provide, certification, and experience.

Ultimately, don’t forget to verify the certification they provide!

Conclusion

A good lightning protection company can save your home and your family. You can rest assured that all your properties are protected by working with a reputable company.

Save yourself the search and work with South West Lightning Protection Company. We believe that “precaution can save lives.”