Lightning Arrestors [RE-wrenches]

[Todd Cory, Bald Mtn. Solar]

List members,

I saw something on TV (TLC?) showing high a speed film of a lightning strike.
Interestingly enough the bottom part of the strike actually started at the ground and
went UP to meet the downward arc, so as I understand it the grounding is not so much to
absorb and dissipate a direct strike (although it does that too) but more to reduce any
attractive charge level so an arc would not start up to meet the lightning bolt in the
first place. Kind of as a preventative measure. Anyone have comments on this?

also:

Doug Pratt wrote:

> 3. Multiple ground rods in a single system are fine, but they MUST all be connected
> together.  If those connections are bare #8 wire in direct contact with the ground
> (not in conduit), then it's even easier for the lightning energy to dissipate.
>   So put in a ground rod at your PV array, put in a ground rod at the base of your
> wind tower, AND at each guy wire anchor, but HOOK THEM ALL TOGETHER with buried
> wire!

Sometimes this is not practical when running long 150+' runs in from the PV/ wind
gennys. Are you saying you want 150' of #8 or #4 bare copper in the trench with the RE
delivery wires?

Todd

- - - -
To send a message: RE-wrenches at topica.com

Archive of previous messages: http://www.topica.com/lists/RE-wrenches/

List rules & etiquette: http://www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/etiquete.htm

Check out participant bios: www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/index.html

Hosted by Home Power magazine

Moderator: michael.welch at homepower.com

==^================================================================
EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?bz8Qcs.bz9JC9
Or send an email To: RE-wrenches-unsubscribe at topica.com
This email was sent to: michael.welch at homepower.com

T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail!
http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register
==^================================================================