Lightning Protection Question

[Jimmy7]

I'm working on a commercial building project where they're trying to figure out which Lightning System to install. I have never installed, or worked on a lightning system before, so I'm looking for some information. The two systems that they're proposing are a Faraday Cage System, or an Early Streamer Emission System (ESE). I was wondering if anyone in the forum has heard of, or worked on either of these before. If so, could you please give me the pros and cons of these systems?

Thank you for your help

 

[jmellc]

I haven’t seen much out there for education on this topic. I’m sure it’s there somewhere. I referred my few lightning callers to a company specializing in it. I asked my continuing education co to do lightning classes but no go.

 

[hbiss]

Lightning systems are not within the scope of work for ECs which is why you are asking this question.

Refer or sub it to a qualified lightning protection company.

-Hal

 

[tom baker]

I agree with HBiss, LP systems are not an area to be a DIY in. Get some one who is certified. If you install it and it doesn't work, thats a big lawsuit. Your insurance may not cover LP Systems

 

[tom baker]

This is an example why you want a qualified LP System Company, one of the systems you are investigating is the subject of this paper (this is from the Mike Holt newsletters section, its an old publication, you can determine if its still vallid), However the two authors are very highly respected.

A Critical Review of Nonconventional Approaches to Lightning Protection​

By M. A. Uman and V. A. Rakov. December 2002

​

The conventional technique for the lightning protection of structures is described in the U.S. National Standard, NFPA 780, and in many other national and international lightning protection standards. Two nonconventional techniques, known generically as "lightning elimination" and "early streamer emission," are claimed by their proponents to be superior to the conventional lightning protection technique. This review by Uman and Rakov explore the claims that “lightning elimination” and “early streamer emission” techniques are superior to conventional lightning protection systems. Click here to view this critical review.