Like I stated earlier, we will have to agree to disagree. And that is okay as this topic is extraordinarily controversial.
So instead of arguing the merits and limitations of conventional verses unconventional lightning protections systems, dropping a bunch of names of experts in the field, or citing research that makes one claim or another, let me just give my perspective as a code official for a local jurisdiction.
I can only enforce the legally adopted codes, standards, and local ordinances that govern lightning protection systems. And that is whether I agree with them or not or understand why or what the requirements they prescribe.
In the state of Florida, hospitals, nursing homes, educational facilities, and most other public buildings (EOC centers, government buildings, etc.) require lightning protection systems. These systems must be installed per the NFPA780 and ANSI/UL 96A. Section 1.1.3 of the NFPA 780 states, ?This document shall not cover lightning protection systems installation requirements for early streamer emission systems or charge dissipation systems.? I also know that both UL and the LPI will NOT certify (aka ?master label?) a nonconventional LPS unless it is installed and listed to the NFPA780 / LPI 175 / ANSI/UL 96A.
So it doesn?t matter what a manufacturer or installer of a nonconventional system claims if the systems are NOT legal. And it would be a disservice to install one of these systems (even if they work) if not in accordance with the law and nationally recognized standards.
So it is really not worth arguing over something that is really not aloud to be installed anyway. What would be the point? But I will make one last statement regarding a conventional system and its function. Again, I will simply reference the NFPA 780.
Annex B, section .3 in part states, ?Air terminals placed upon a structure do not substantially increase the probability of the structure being struck by lightning. If the downward progressing lightning leader is close to the structure, it will probably attach to that structure anyway. Thus, air terminals are designed to provide a preferential attachment point on structures that already provide a likely lightning attachment point. Once lightning connects to the air terminal, it is easier to control the lightning current and direct it to the earth, as opposed to it taking a random, uncontrolled (and usually damaging) path through the structure otherwise.?
So that is that?