lightning protection

[harley1959]

I have a question from a residential electrical contractor. A residential dwelling,in process of construction, will have mounted on the roof top, two large copper ornamental structures. I was asked if he should provide some type of lightning protection for these structures. I've not encountered this in residential installations. Should the ornaments on top of the roof be bonded to the grounding electrode system for the dwelling? I refer to ART. 250.60, 250.106 NEC 2002 and NFPA 780

 

[iwire]

Re: lightning protection

Lightning protection is voluntary.

In my opinion the structures are not 'likely to become energized' so that takes the NEC out of it.

I do not believe they are required to do any bonding or grounding, at the same time they are not prohibited from doing so.

 

[pierre]

Re: lightning protection

Something else to consider is the location where you live. How often does lightning actually occur? How many buildings in your location have actually been struck by lightning?

Roofs, trees and the earth itself have been the target of lightning, so the isolated portions of the metal you are mentioning may not be a large threat.