Lightning usually carries several thousands of ohms of current in them and in case they strike a building, they can cause total destruction. Besides damaging property by causing fires and other effects, the current can also cause serious loss of human, plant, and animal life. That is why systems have been designed to help protect buildings from lightning strikes. The system is usually installed as the highest point on the building or structure that it is placed on. Here are facts regarding Oilfield lightning protection.
Lightning protection systems look like metal rods that points upwards on buildings. A path with least resistance to flow of electric current is provided by these systems for the lightning to flow through. Protection systems work based on this principle. There are four main parts that make up a typical protection system. Each part performs a specific function. They include surge suppressor, copper air terminals, copper clad ground rod and copper cable.
The systems are preferably made from copper because it has excellent electrical conductivity. Other materials like aluminum can be used too however. The protrusions that are seen above structures installed with these systems are called air terminals. These protrusions provide discharge for current from strikes.
A cable connects the air terminals to ground rods. The cable runs to ground rods which are normally buried 10 feet deep in the ground. Existing ground of circuit box and plumbing is used to ground the system. A connection is made between the surge suppressor and the circuit breaker box. This is to allow it to cover the entire electric system. Individual appliances and electronics can also be protected from current surges by installing surge suppressors at each appliance.
Most installer usually install the system in a way that it is concealed and unnoticeable from people. Only the air terminal is made noticeable because it protrudes above the structure. Even if the conductor is not concealed, it soon becomes unnoticeable when it changes color. Color change occurs from bright orange, which is the color for copper to a dull patina.
These systems are usually installed on all kinds of buildings and structures. Examples of structures on which they are installed on include boats, trees, businesses, farm buildings, homes, aircraft, and water tanks among others. The standards observed in the design and installation of these systems come from three main organizations. These organizations are LPI, NFPA, and UL.
Arresters provide electric current from strikes a designated path to use to reach the ground. In the absence of these designated paths, the current may choose any conductor in their path to pass through. Such conductors include electrical lines, phone cable, gas pipes, water pipes, and even the rooftop. The current may use one of these paths or several paths to reach the ground.
Side flashes sometimes occur where the current spreads to other parts of the same house or neighboring houses to reach a conductor that is better grounded. The occurrence of side flashes can ignite any fuel they come across to cause fires. Materials such as paper, wood, and gasoline can be ignited easily. Electrical problems can also be caused by the vaporization of electric wires by the big current flow.
Lightning protection systems look like metal rods that points upwards on buildings. A path with least resistance to flow of electric current is provided by these systems for the lightning to flow through. Protection systems work based on this principle. There are four main parts that make up a typical protection system. Each part performs a specific function. They include surge suppressor, copper air terminals, copper clad ground rod and copper cable.
The systems are preferably made from copper because it has excellent electrical conductivity. Other materials like aluminum can be used too however. The protrusions that are seen above structures installed with these systems are called air terminals. These protrusions provide discharge for current from strikes.
A cable connects the air terminals to ground rods. The cable runs to ground rods which are normally buried 10 feet deep in the ground. Existing ground of circuit box and plumbing is used to ground the system. A connection is made between the surge suppressor and the circuit breaker box. This is to allow it to cover the entire electric system. Individual appliances and electronics can also be protected from current surges by installing surge suppressors at each appliance.
Most installer usually install the system in a way that it is concealed and unnoticeable from people. Only the air terminal is made noticeable because it protrudes above the structure. Even if the conductor is not concealed, it soon becomes unnoticeable when it changes color. Color change occurs from bright orange, which is the color for copper to a dull patina.
These systems are usually installed on all kinds of buildings and structures. Examples of structures on which they are installed on include boats, trees, businesses, farm buildings, homes, aircraft, and water tanks among others. The standards observed in the design and installation of these systems come from three main organizations. These organizations are LPI, NFPA, and UL.
Arresters provide electric current from strikes a designated path to use to reach the ground. In the absence of these designated paths, the current may choose any conductor in their path to pass through. Such conductors include electrical lines, phone cable, gas pipes, water pipes, and even the rooftop. The current may use one of these paths or several paths to reach the ground.
Side flashes sometimes occur where the current spreads to other parts of the same house or neighboring houses to reach a conductor that is better grounded. The occurrence of side flashes can ignite any fuel they come across to cause fires. Materials such as paper, wood, and gasoline can be ignited easily. Electrical problems can also be caused by the vaporization of electric wires by the big current flow.
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