[RE-wrenches] Lightning protection system

[David Palumbo]

I'll have to agree with Darryl Thayer. All of the master electricians we
work with in Northern New England, a lightning prone area, combine the
system equipment grounding with any special lightning grounding that may be
on the building.

I agree with Joel on the clause in the contract excluding acts of nature, we
also specifically exclude vandalism, system owner misuse, or abuse, of
system etc.

David Palumbo, President
Independent Power LLC
462 Solar Way Drive
Hyde Park, VT 05655
NABCEP Certified PV Installer
www.independentpowerllc.com <http://www.independentpowerllc.com/>
802-888-7194



-----Original Message-----
From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org]On Behalf Of Joel
Davidson
Sent: Friday, March 06, 2009 11:31 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Lightning protection system


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
>
> _______________________________________________
> List sponsored by Home Power magazine
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