Lightning can cause complete destruction to structures and buildings that they strike because they carry thousands of ohms of current. The huge amount of current discharged when a strike occurs destroys buildings and plants. It can also injure and kill human beings and animals. To avoid these effects, protection systems have been designed for installation on buildings. The installation is done at the highest point on the building. The system them runs along the height of the structure all the way into the ground. This is worth knowing about 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 fact that copper offers the best electrical conductivity makes it an ideal metal to be used. However, other metals can also be used too. Other systems in fact can only be built using aluminum. The protrusions visible on the building where the system is installed are air terminals. When a strike occurs, the terminals discharge the current.
Air terminals are connected through a cable that leads to ground rods. Grounds are buried 10 feet below the ground surface. The grounding of the system is done to the existing ground of the circuit box and water pipes. Surge suppressors are usually connected to the circuit breaker box so that they can cover the whole electric system. They are sometimes placed at individual electronics or appliances to protect them from current surges.
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.
Any kind of building or structure can have the arresters. Homes, aircraft, trees, boats, water tanks, businesses and farm buildings are some of the structures where these systems are installed. There are three main organizations responsible for setting standards that have to be observed when designing and installing these systems. NFPA, UL and LPI are the three organizations.
The work of arresters is to ensure that the current that comes from strikes find a safe path into the ground. The current will go through any conductor in their path if arresters are not present. Examples of conductors that provide a good path for the current include gas pipes, rooftops, water pipes, phone cables, and electrical lines. The current travels through one or multiple conductors.
A better grounded conductor in the house or surrounding structures can be sought by the current from the strike if it is available. This can result to fires as the current can ignite fuel on its way. Materials such as wood, gasoline and paper can be ignited easily. The huge current can cause serious electrical problems by vaporizing electrical wires too.
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 fact that copper offers the best electrical conductivity makes it an ideal metal to be used. However, other metals can also be used too. Other systems in fact can only be built using aluminum. The protrusions visible on the building where the system is installed are air terminals. When a strike occurs, the terminals discharge the current.
Air terminals are connected through a cable that leads to ground rods. Grounds are buried 10 feet below the ground surface. The grounding of the system is done to the existing ground of the circuit box and water pipes. Surge suppressors are usually connected to the circuit breaker box so that they can cover the whole electric system. They are sometimes placed at individual electronics or appliances to protect them from current surges.
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.
Any kind of building or structure can have the arresters. Homes, aircraft, trees, boats, water tanks, businesses and farm buildings are some of the structures where these systems are installed. There are three main organizations responsible for setting standards that have to be observed when designing and installing these systems. NFPA, UL and LPI are the three organizations.
The work of arresters is to ensure that the current that comes from strikes find a safe path into the ground. The current will go through any conductor in their path if arresters are not present. Examples of conductors that provide a good path for the current include gas pipes, rooftops, water pipes, phone cables, and electrical lines. The current travels through one or multiple conductors.
A better grounded conductor in the house or surrounding structures can be sought by the current from the strike if it is available. This can result to fires as the current can ignite fuel on its way. Materials such as wood, gasoline and paper can be ignited easily. The huge current can cause serious electrical problems by vaporizing electrical wires too.
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