Lightning Protection Counterpoise

[Leo1]

Can a 3/8" diameter stainless steel cable that runs between ski tower poles (approx. 40' high) be considered as the main conductor for lightning protection? Is it UL or the Lighting Protection Institute that would have final say - assuming the local AHJ defers to someone else?

The 3/8" diameter exceeds the cross-section area of 57,400 cir. mils for copper and 98,600 cir. mils for aluminum required by NFPA 780 for the main conductor. Then at each tower install a couple air terminals that bond to the 3/8" stainless cable and a 1/0 CU down conductor to two 3/4" x 10' coppercald ground rods.

 

[John120/240]

Can a 3/8" diameter stainless steel cable that runs between ski tower poles (approx. 40' high) be considered as the main conductor for lightning protection? Is it UL or the Lighting Protection Institute that would have final say - assuming the local AHJ defers to someone else?

The 3/8" diameter exceeds the cross-section area of 57,400 cir. mils for copper and 98,600 cir. mils for aluminum required by NFPA 780 for the main conductor. Then at each tower install a couple air terminals that bond to the 3/8" stainless cable and a 1/0 CU down conductor to two 3/4" x 10' coppercald ground rods.

More than likely that 3/8 Dia stainless cable has not been listed or tested for this application. Would it work ???maybe. Might start here...http://www.lightning.org/

 

[K8MHZ]

Can a 3/8" diameter stainless steel cable that runs between ski tower poles (approx. 40' high) be considered as the main conductor for lightning protection? Is it UL or the Lighting Protection Institute that would have final say - assuming the local AHJ defers to someone else?

The 3/8" diameter exceeds the cross-section area of 57,400 cir. mils for copper and 98,600 cir. mils for aluminum required by NFPA 780 for the main conductor. Then at each tower install a couple air terminals that bond to the 3/8" stainless cable and a 1/0 CU down conductor to two 3/4" x 10' coppercald ground rods.

This is more of an NEC forum than a lightning protection forum. Lightning protection, IMHO, should be left to those with training and experience in the field. Such a person would know who would have 'the final say'.