Lightning protection

[JPM]

when sizing cable for lightning protection what factors are taken into consideration, and can any other material besides copper be used in this application?

 

[brian john]

Aluminum is utilized, for down conductors I have seen I-beams utilized. The LPS code NFPA 780 set the standards

 

[bphgravity]

Typically, the height of the building determines the size of the down cables (main cables). Class I verses Class, ect... The complexity of the system may result in large cables as a design consideration.

Many manufacturer's have cables and compoents listed for use under UL96 specifications that are other tan copper. This too is a design consideration unless specifically required by the NFPA 780 or 70.