![]() ![]() Strategic placement of rods on a structure ensures that lightning will strike the rods rather than another part of the building.Ĭonductors. Conductors, which are copper or aluminum cables, provide the connection between the air terminals and the earth to direct the lightning strike deep into the earth where it can safely dissipate. Additionally, a rod should be located within 24 inches of the end of any building ridge or projecting object. The most effective spacing is 20 feet apart for rods that are less than 24 inches long or 25 feet apart for rods that are between 24 and 36 inches long. Typically, rods are 10 to 24 inches long extra support or a brace is needed for a rod that is more than 24 inches long. Rods should extend between 10 and 36 inches above the projecting object. Solid copper rods should be a minimum of 3/8-inch in diameter, and solid aluminum rods should be a minimum of 1/2-inch in diameter. Lightning Protection System ComponentsĪ lightning protection system consists of the following five parts: air terminals (lightning rods), conductors, ground connections (electrodes), bonding, and lightning arrestors.Īir terminals. Air terminals, or lightning rods, are metal rods or tubes installed at every projecting high point of a building-such as the peak, a dormer, a flagpole, or a water tank-to intercept a lightning bolt. You can protect your farm or ranch structures by installing a lightning protection system, which will direct a strike away from your buildings and dissipate the strike in a safe manner. Typically, lightning enters a building by striking a metal object on the roof, directly striking the building, hitting a tree or structure (for example, a silo) that causes the strike to jump to a nearby building, or striking a power line or wire fence that provides a path into the structure. The powerful force of lightning can ignite fires in buildings, damage electrical equipment, and electrocute humans and livestock. ![]() ![]() The amperage from a lightning flash can be approximately 2,000 times greater than the current in a typical home. Lightning is a stream of pure energy, approximately 1/2- to 3/4-inch wide and surrounded by 4 inches of extremely hot air, that is looking for the path of least resistance between the clouds and the ground. Thunderstorms involving lightning occur across the United States but are most prevalent in central and eastern states. Lightning protection systems are recommended for all barns to reduce the risk of damage sustained from a lightning strike. (2014) Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. ![]() Use the following format to cite this article: ![]()
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