ASW 27 destroyed by lightning in trailer

2G wrote on 9/28/2019 3:30 PM:
Lightning rods aren't used to conduct the current of a strike, but to dissipate the high electric field created before the strike, which prevents the strike from occurring (this is why you don't see large gauge wire going to the rod).

I've read and heard several times that lightning rod systems can and do conduct a
lightning strike to ground. For example:

"A lightning rod is very simple -- it's a pointed metal rod attached to the roof
of a building. The rod might be an inch (2 cm) in diameter. It connects to a huge
piece of copper or aluminum wire that's also an inch or so in diameter. The wire
is connected to a conductive grid buried in the ground nearby."

https://science.howstuffworks.com/na...lightning7.htm

I'm sure some of them also work as you described, and that the system design
depends on the what's being protected and where it's situated.

On Saturday, September 28, 2019 at 7:48:57 PM UTC-4, Eric Greenwell wrote:
2G wrote on 9/28/2019 3:30 PM:
Lightning rods aren't used to conduct the current of a strike, but to dissipate the high electric field created before the strike, which prevents the strike from occurring (this is why you don't see large gauge wire going to the rod).

I've read and heard several times that lightning rod systems can and do conduct a
lightning strike to ground. For example:

"A lightning rod is very simple -- it's a pointed metal rod attached to the roof
of a building. The rod might be an inch (2 cm) in diameter. It connects to a huge
piece of copper or aluminum wire that's also an inch or so in diameter. The wire
is connected to a conductive grid buried in the ground nearby."

https://science.howstuffworks.com/na...lightning7.htm

I'm sure some of them also work as you described, and that the system design
depends on the what's being protected and where it's situated.

Trying to control lightning is like herding cats. You get it right every now and then...

After fifty years, they mostly gave up driving ground rods for light poles. They realized they are one big waste of time and money. They serve no purpose as to there original intent. Some thought it was to protect from lightning, some to protect humans.

We are installing new lightning protection on a 14 story building. Cost the owner about 100K. Who knows if it makes a difference or not. But, we all feel better knowing it's UL listed and approved! Hopefully, lighting will find those two 37 strand aluminum downlead wires to its liking...

On Saturday, September 28, 2019 at 5:17:49 PM UTC-7, Gary Wayland wrote:
On Saturday, September 28, 2019 at 7:48:57 PM UTC-4, Eric Greenwell wrote:
2G wrote on 9/28/2019 3:30 PM:
Lightning rods aren't used to conduct the current of a strike, but to dissipate the high electric field created before the strike, which prevents the strike from occurring (this is why you don't see large gauge wire going to the rod).

I've read and heard several times that lightning rod systems can and do conduct a
lightning strike to ground. For example:

"A lightning rod is very simple -- it's a pointed metal rod attached to the roof
of a building. The rod might be an inch (2 cm) in diameter. It connects to a huge
piece of copper or aluminum wire that's also an inch or so in diameter. The wire
is connected to a conductive grid buried in the ground nearby."

https://science.howstuffworks.com/na...lightning7.htm

I'm sure some of them also work as you described, and that the system design
depends on the what's being protected and where it's situated.

Trying to control lightning is like herding cats. You get it right every now and then...

After fifty years, they mostly gave up driving ground rods for light poles. They realized they are one big waste of time and money. They serve no purpose as to there original intent. Some thought it was to protect from lightning, some to protect humans.

We are installing new lightning protection on a 14 story building. Cost the owner about 100K. Who knows if it makes a difference or not. But, we all feel better knowing it's UL listed and approved! Hopefully, lighting will find those two 37 strand aluminum downlead wires to its liking...

UL only requires a 1/4 inch down conductor - now, how much current is that going to conduct. Well the answer is something in the neighborhood of 100A. The reason is that the induction of that conductor (yes, straight wires have inductance) will limit the current to that range. You have to ask yourself, that isn't much energy, where does all the rest go? To other potential conductors, is the answer.