Lightning Protection

Lightning discharges are frequently known to be attended with currents of the order of 20,000 Amps though peak currents of even 160,000 Amps maximum have occasionally been recorded. The resulting effects of tremendous magnitude; may be thermal, magnetic, luminous, mechanical and even chemical accounting for peculiar cases of destruction which have been and will no doubt continue to be reported. Atmospheric processes occur on a large scale attended by so many variables. Therefore, the best practicable defense consistent with economy and local conditions should be provided for structures depending upon their importance to encounter these dangerous phenomena.

Successful operation of any lightning protective system depends on certain fundamental conditions, application of components made strictly in agreement with the metal specifications and purity and installation of the entire scheme conforming to requirement laid down in the relevant code of practice applicable to the particular type of structure to be protected. The nature of protection to be designed, also depends on the desired zone of protection prevalence of lightning in the locality, surrounding atmospheric pollutions if any, occupancy of the structure, nature and value of its contents, soil conditions etc.,