History of lightning rod protection
Benjamin Franklin’s passion for researching electricity led him to pay attention to a phenomenon that had gone unnoticed by many others before him. One day, he was flying a kite when it was struck by lightning that burned it up, which led the ingenious researcher to wonder if it were possible to attract lightning bolts in some way.
He tied a metal key to his kites and continued flying them on stormy days until he was able to capture a bolt. Electricity went down the string of the kite until reaching the key. That is how he demonstrated that it was possible to divert lightning bolt to a metal, thus sparing other elements from being struck.
Evolution of Lightning rod protection
For over 50 years, LEC has been providing advanced lightning protection systems worldwide. The advanced systems LEC designs, manufactures and applies do not provide the traditional Franklin Rod protection schemes. Rather, we take the view we should avoid the strike, not collect it.
Our lightning rod uses a naturally occurring, scientific phenomenon called point discharge to retard the collection of lightning within a finite protection zone. Thus they should be inspected and maintained regularly.
Lightning rod protection and maintenance
Lightning rods must undergo periodic tests and maintenance. This allows the detection of deviations from the reference standards or anomalies in the installation caused by environmental conditions such as corrosion, incorrect handling such as sectioning or robberies, or other circumstances such as expansions of the building where the lightning rod is located.
We offer a comprehensive inspection, test and maintenance service for earthing and lightning rod protection systems. With our fully trained test engineers, you can rest assured that the earthing and lightning protection test and maintenance requirements are in safe hands, and that your system, if maintained correctly, will protect the building and the people and equipment within it, whenever it is called upon to do so.
During lightning rod protection and maintenance we check for:
- Damages
- If the elements of lightning rod are in good state
- Continuity of the conductors are correct
- Condition of the fixtures
- Corrosion damages
- State of equipotential bonding
- Checking electrical continuity of down conductors
- Correct performance of the lightning rod
In case of repairs a written report that includes the scope of work and estimate is sent.
LEC is a smart risk reduction choice for critical system. Contact us to receive a quote.