Lightning Rods
(AKA Lightning Protection Systems)
First invented by Benjamin Franklin, the lightning rod is a metal rod that is installed on a building or other structure to protect it from a lightning strike. If lightening strikes the building, it will be drawn to the rod and then conducted into the ground, rather than passing through the structure. Lightning protection systems were later adapted for residential use to protect homes from electrical damage and fires caused by lightning. Lightning protection systems must be strategically placed by specialized contractors. Installing a lightning rod requires specialty training and skills. In the industry since 33 years, Tom McDonald Contracting specializes in installation and repairs of lightning rods around both residential and commercial properties throughout the region.
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Purpose of a Lightning Rod
Although it is commonly believed that lightning rods serve to attract lightning, in reality, they function as the path of least resistance to redirect the bouncing electricity that happens with a lightning strike directly into the ground and out of danger. Well placed and well built lightning rods can handle a tremendous level of electrical currents, carrying them away from homes and other buildings. Their sole purpose is to receive the lightning and direct it deep underground on a low resistance path.
Dangers of Lightning Strikes to a Home
Remember, whether you have a lightning rod in place or not, lightning strikes WILL occur. Tom McDonald Contracting will make sure you are prepared. Without a lightning protection in place, lightning will often strike the tallest structure in the area, usually a car or house. When it strikes a structure that is not a good conductor, that structure will suffer massive electrical and heat damage. Lightning rods serve to redirect currents away from home, preventing fires and electrical devices from getting "fried". Tom McDonald Contracting has been in the business if keeping families and properties safe from the damaging effects of lightning strikes. Well trained and highly skilled, our specialists can devise and install a lighting protection system to suit your needs. Call (302) 266-1609 and leave the rest to us!
Components of Lightning Protection Systems
Residential properties and small buildings benefit in multiple ways from installing lightning protection systems. There are several important components to the lightning systems installed by Tom McDonald Contracting.
1. Lightning Rods: The rods themselves sit at the highest point of the lightning protection system, and serve to take the strike. Tom McDonald Contracting installs rods in locations that are most commonly hit with lightning strikes, such as the tallest points on a building.
2. Lightning Cables: Copper or aluminum cables attach to the rods and direct lightning strikes into the ground.
3. Grounding Devices: Steel rods that deliver the strike deep into the ground, and away from other structures.
4. Surge Protectors are connected between the electrical conductors and the ground. They work to direct powerful flows of currents, such as caused by lightning away from the connected devices and into he ground. They are used to minimize the rise in voltage when a power line has been struck.
