Air Terminals and Exterior Curtain Walls?

[TinCanFury]

We're working on a preliminary layout for roof-top air terminals for a building that will have a curtain wall shade system along the lengths of the exterior walls about 1' from the building wall and which sits about 2' above the parapet of the building. The curtain wall is an aluminum and glass structure, with no apparent way of placing air terminals along it.

Does anyone know what the standard practice is for lightning protection installation for such a case?

Sorry for the poor description, I'll try and answer any questions about it to the best of my ability.
Thanks!

-Steve

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

If you are installing to the UL Certificate program, I would definitely contact them.

 

[bphgravity]

Like the NEC, the NFPA 780 is not a design manual nor provides engineering support. In addition, the NFPA 780 is most suitable for conventional type structures and buildings. There is some reference to irregular roof perimeters and structures with upper and lower roof sections, but for the most part, guidance on this particular issue is limited.

It may be possible to provide protection of the area you are referring to without installing strike termination devices directly over or on that area. There is software that is available that allows you to create a roof structure, plug in all the variables, and create an overlay of the protection method. Unfortunately, the software is not cheap. If you are not willing to make that type of investment, you may want to consult / hire a design firm with the capabilities and expertise to produce an air terminal layout that fits your needs.

I am curious to learn more if you get a chance to post more detail or can attach a diagram / blueprint. Keep us updated.