Types of Lightning Protection Systems

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By Carla Boulianne
eHow Contributing Writer

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Types of Lightning Protection Systems

Despite the marketing of various types of lightning protection systems, the original method devised by Benjamin Franklin to guard structures from lightning damage is still the best protection available.

Function of Lightning Protection Systems

Lightning Rod: Most Visible Part of Franklin-Type Lightning Protection System
Lightning protection systems provide a path of least resistance for the energy of a lightening strike seeking ground. This minimizes potential damage to the structure, it's systems, occupants and electrical components.

Effects of Lightning Protection Systems

Lightning Protection Systems Provide Path of Least Resistance
Current from a lightning strike travels along all parallel resistance paths with distribution disproportional to the level of resistance. By providing a path of least resistance to ground, lightning protection systems seek to divert most of the current from a strike away from electrical, plumbing and structural systems.

Benefits of Lightning Protection Systems

Lightning Protection Systems Guard Structures, Equipment and People
Lightning protection systems reduce the risk of fire, shock wave damage, side flash injuries, and minimize electrical appliance destruction resulting from a structural lightening strike.

Features of Lightning Protection Systems

Conducting Cable of Lightning Protection System
Traditional Franklin-style lightning protection systems consist of a lightning rod or air terminal array on the roof, heavy gauge conducting cables running from the roof to the ground, and ground rods buried in the soil or foundation.

Other Types of Lightning Protection Systems

CTS and ESE Types of Lightning Protection Systems Make Dubious Claims
Charge transfer systems (CTS) claim to eliminate risk of a lightning strike by dissipating the building charge in a thunderstorm or protecting a space with a localized corona discharge. Early streamer emission (ESE) lightning protection systems claim to attract all lightning strikes to a single air terminal, eliminating risk to other structures. Claims of both CTS and ESE types of lightning protection systems are widely criticized in scientific literature.

Misconceptions About Lightning Protection Systems

Ground Rod of Franklin-Type Lightning Protection System
Lightning protection systems do not attract lightning, eliminate lightning strike risk, dissipate thunderstorm charge, or provide full protection to electronic equipment. Surge protectors provide protection from more distant lightning strikes that cause system voltage surges, but can not eliminate risk to sensitive electronics from a direct structure strike.