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Lightning Protection on Elevated Aluminum Walkways

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CanesRx7

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vero beach, fl
While my Lightning Prevention sub was installing system on one of our 3 elevated Aluminum walkways, I noticed he was NOT using any kind of insulator/separator, between connection points of walkway&LP system... I asked and he stated they were not required...Usually I have some control and I would not allow the LP system to go on an "ALUM" walkway and simply put on bldg. and other hi points of project.. I understand the basic principals behind the system and the current "should" follow the path of least res., however I am very concerned, about this setup... I live in S/FLA where strikes are consistent and numerous. Yes, the LP system wire is braided-alum and has a smaller res. than walkway aluminum, but I cant help but think of the massive amounts of energy and "some" not going where it should... Has anybody had experience in this specific setup. I would really like to see some insulating buffers at these points... Does anybody know if this would have an adverse effect on the LP system? I'd like to know what others have done... Help, Help... & Thanks in Advance...

Remember always LOTO baby, you only get one shot
 
I think you will find that any metal like that that is within 6' of the lighting conductors is required to be bonded to the lighting conductors to avoid "side flashes" between the metal and the lighting conductors.
 
CanesRx7 said:
While my Lightning Prevention sub was installing system on one of our 3 elevated Aluminum walkways, I noticed he was NOT using any kind of insulator/separator, between connection points of walkway&LP system... I asked and he stated they were not required...Usually I have some control and I would not allow the LP system to go on an "ALUM" walkway and simply put on bldg. and other hi points of project.. I understand the basic principals behind the system and the current "should" follow the path of least res., however I am very concerned, about this setup... I live in S/FLA where strikes are consistent and numerous. Yes, the LP system wire is braided-alum and has a smaller res. than walkway aluminum, but I cant help but think of the massive amounts of energy and "some" not going where it should... Has anybody had experience in this specific setup. I would really like to see some insulating buffers at these points... Does anybody know if this would have an adverse effect on the LP system? I'd like to know what others have done... Help, Help... & Thanks in Advance...

Remember always LOTO baby, you only get one shot
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That is one of the biggest misunderstandings in electricity and electronics. Current takes all paths and you want it to.

If there are 500,000 volts on the air terminals, you want 500,000 volts on the walkway to create a potential of zero volts between the two.

Electricity takes all paths.
 
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