Test well for Lightning Protection System

[faresos]

Hello Everyone,

A contractor asking if a test well required for a lightning protection system, however, the contractor didn't install a ground ring for this facility and my understanding the the test well will be needed for the ground ring to test the impedance, am I correct that a test well will not be needed if no ground ring installed? Also, I have seen in the past where a mechanical lugs were used at the down conductors so it can be disconnected and test the grounding system at that location (No ground ring were installed only ground rods at down conductors location). Is there any issue with this installation?

 

[don_resqcapt19]

This is not covered in the NEC. You would have to review NFPA 780. (www.nfpa.org/780)

In a quick look, I did not find any requirements for a test well for lightning protection grounding electrode systems, other than to provide a means to disconnect a concreted encased electrode for testing purposes.

Note that 780 requires a ground rod to have at least 10' of rod in contact with the earth, and not just 8' like required by the NEC.

Many times the contract documents require the lightning protection contractor to provide a UL Master Label for the installed system and that requires a UL person to verify the installation. Any concerns as to the grounding electrode system would be addressed by that process.

 

[faresos]

Thanks Don. Can you please indicate what section in NFPA 780 where indicated to provide a means to disconnect a concreted encased electrode for testing purposes?

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Thanks Don. Can you please indicate what section in NFPA 780 where indicated to provide a means to disconnect a concreted encased electrode for testing purposes?

You can read it at the site I posted. It is free to read. You do have to register with an email address. I find the documents easier to read if I look at the second revision report and not the actual free viewing document, but there is some risk as the second revision is not the final word on an NFPA document.