Lightning Protection ?

As I watch on TV the storms roll through NYC, a question arises. Is it recommended to add a separate lightning protection system, IE; ground rod and welders type of cable with it clamping to a metal chimney or liner. This would, I would think, give a safER path to ground for the lightning to travel and possibly saving some damage to your house. Anyone here have such a grounding system and what did you use if so. Or do you think it is totally unnecessary and I am over thinking it way too much.

I personally do not have anything tied to my chimney ground wise--BUT--do what makes YOU feel comfortable.

That's some good info, thanks. I really was just wondering if anyone used a lightning protection system, not so much the mechanics of that system, though I did kind of ask about that also in the OP. Do you find it necessary, obviously if you have one you do, or is it more of I haven't been hit with lightning yet and odds are I wont either so why bother.

Bruce M wrote:That's some good info, thanks. I really was just wondering if anyone used a lightning protection system, not so much the mechanics of that system, though I did kind of ask about that also in the OP. Do you find it necessary, obviously if you have one you do, or is it more of I haven't been hit with lightning yet and odds are I wont either so why bother.

Well ya never know. My neighbor was, took out his whole house and his water well.. poof..toast.

It's only as complicated a question as you choose to make it. If you want one, do it--if not, don't. Again, I'm a don't, living in a 200 yr old farm house on the top of a hill which is wide open weather wise. I do have two ground rods from my water pipes in the basement & my phone box on the side of the house.

Lightning protection is more than just a couple of rods with a wire inbetween. There is a science behind it. First to a risk assessment. Depending on your location and what is arround you, it may not be worth while pursuing. If you want to do a system, then get some help designing it. There are some manufacturer's of materials for these systems that offer guidance. This stuff is not your Home Depot variety of materials.

Search the internet as a starting point.

Like steamup mentioned it is a science for sure . I was into ham radio for years and with several antennas the grounding was quite elaborate and could get as costly as you would want to make it . Each situation is different so doing a research on the internet can be of great assistance .

Never really thought about it with the garage, it's probably 20 ft. high but only 15 ft. or so from 60 ft. or better pines. I would think the pines would take the hit before the garage & then it would depend on which way the tree falls. Does give some food for thought, I have some grounding rods in the garage that I could use, copper wire as well.

My dad had lightning rod guys put lightning rods on all the farm buildings to reduce his insurance costs........ all they did was poke 4 holes in the roof where they nailed the rod brackets down. He still hasnt got them to stop leaking.

Nothing personal guys BUT---science?? internet??? my ass. My 2 rods have saved this old abode more then once. Yes, all my electronic stuff have power strips but that's just common sense. Have we really gotten to the point of complicating the hell out of EVERYTHING--PLEEEEZE. People lived with lightening rods & stakes in the ground for hundreds of years & they worked & continue to work. Carl, have your father pull the rods & black jack/ patch the hell out of the existing holes & re-attach them. That was just lousey workmanship Again, do what you're comfortable with.

ahh they have been leaking for 15 years he just dosent park anything that would be damaged where the water drips

Ahhh, the wisdom of age.

Lighting protection issues have been brought up in several threads on the forum. Be sure to read through this tread called "Calling all Electricians" Calling all Electricians!!!!

As "steamup" says there is a science behind it. You need to educate yourself and understand the possible electric paths for lighting in whatever you are trying to protect. I've posted this link before:

http://www.lightningsafety.com/nlsi_lhm/IEEE_Guide.pdf

Be sure to understand it before throwing money at a solution. Many good lightning protection devices are misapplied and offer no real protection. I've had lightning repeatedly burn out cable modems and routers. Only when I created a detail circuit diagram of all the wires and metal pipes entering my house and traced possible lighting paths was I able to solve the problem. It took moving where the cable TV line enters my home and a circuit breaker panel mounted whole house lighting protector.

We have a bunch of LIghtning Rods, but they are all INSIDE..not doing a whole lot for Safety....Some are pretty elaborate
Some had pretty heavy braided copper cable hooked to the bottom of them.