A certified lightning protection system can be a good investment for your farm buildings.
These systems provide a direct path to the ground for electricity from a lightning strike, reducing the risk of injuries, fire and surge damage.
A lightning protection system consists of several parts:
- Air terminals (lightning rods): Metal rods attached to building roofs to intercept the lightning.
- Ground terminations: Metal rods driven into the ground (eight-foot minimum recommended).
- Conductors: Aluminum or copper cables that connect the lightning rods to the ground terminations.
- Surge arrestors and suppressors: Devices that protect electrical equipment by absorbing and/or dissipating excess electricity.
The lightning protection grounding system should be connected to the electrical grounding system at one location, preferably outside.
Any non-current carrying metal part of the electrical system that is within six feet of the lightning system should be bonded to prevent arcing in the event of a lightning strike.
Download the “Electrical Safety on Your Farm” brochure [PDF]
Download the Farm Electrical Safety Checklist [PDF]