Lightning Protection

[lurrabq]

I have a building I designed with a lightning protection system. It's a 2 story Courthouse across a small parking lot from an existing Courthouse.

The client is insisting that since a system has been installed on the new structure, the old structure, which falls well outside the cone of protection is now more prone to being struck. Can someone point me to some documentation to either support or refute his claim?

Thanks in advance.

 

[LarryFine]

Unless the customer expects you to do this work free, I wouldn't argue the point; give 'em a price and do it.

 

[bphgravity]

The installation of a LPS or lack there of does not increase or reduce the possibility of a structure being struck by lightning. Nor will the installation of a LPS on one structure provide protection and/or more risk to any neighboring structures.

In your particular case, the older building is no more likely to be struck by lightning than it was before the new building and LPS was constructed. Other than the height and the geometrical structure of the roofing, the only difference between the two buildings is that the new one is more likely to mitigate the effects of lightning in the event it is struck and the LPS does what it has been designed to do.

Go here for good information:

http://www.lightningsafety.com/

http://www.lightning-protection-institute.com/fact-fallacy.htm

 

[brian john]

Durn all them lawyers in one place let the lightning begin.

 

[lurrabq]

Thanks bph.

That's the kind of answer I was looking for, although Brians comment regarding the lawyers has some merit also!