[RE-wrenches] Lightning protection system

[Joel Davidson]

Drake,

Most electricians like to keep the electrical ground and the lightning 
ground separate which is probably a good idea, but lightning current is 
likely to follow all paths because earth is common. The best practice is to 
follow the Code and if the site is in a lightning area, subcontract that 
part of the work to a local licensed expert (added cost) or put a clause in 
your contract that protects you from acts of god and specify lightning.

Joel Davidson

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Drake Chamberlin" <drake.chamberlin at redwoodalliance.org>
To: "RE-wrenches" <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
Sent: Friday, March 06, 2009 6:47 AM
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Lightning protection system


>I didn't get a reply to the question about connecting the GEC to the 
>lightning protection system on the 8 story building.  Although this may 
>seem like an intrinsically dangerous idea, a lightning protection system is 
>required to be bonded to the building grounding electrode system.
>
> "250.106 Lightning Protection Systems.
> The lightning protection system ground terminals shall be bonded to the 
> building or structure grounding electrode system."
>
> It would therefore seem that the suplemental ground could connect to that 
> system as well, and in fact use the existing conductor.  Any input would 
> be welcome.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Drake
>
>
>
>
> At 09:19 PM 3/4/2009, you wrote:
>>Hello Wrenches,
>>
>>Can the supplemental grounding electrode conductor be connected to a 
>>lightning protection system?
>>
>>We have a case where it would be difficult to run a GEC down a multi story 
>>building, but have a convenient copper wire, from a lightning protection 
>>system, that runs to a rod.
>>
>>Thank you,
>>
>>Drake Chamberlin
>>Athens Electric
>>OH License 44810
>>CO License 3773
>>740-448-7328
>>740-856-9648
>>
>>
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>
> Drake Chamberlin
> Athens Electric
> OH License 44810
> CO License 3773
> 740-448-7328
> 740-856-9648
>
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