SELECTION GUIDE

In order to install a lightning rod, it is necessary to select all the components the system consists of. The following is a guide line which indicates the points to consider when selecting a lightning rod and its accessories.

1.- CAPTURING HEAD The lightning rods NIMBUS with feeding device release high voltage signals in order to anticipate the upgoing path, increasing this way the radius of the protected zone compared to a standard lightning rod.

2.- ADAPTER ELEMENT The adapter element is used for the connection of the NIMBUS lightning rod to the mast. There are two models, one for the Nimbus CPT-3 and the other for the Nimbus CPT-2 and Nimbus CPT-1. (It is not needed for the mesh air-termination system).

3.- MAST Extensible element which is adapted to the required height of the capturing head of the lightning rod in order to provide the desired protection radius.

4.- PROTECTION MAST ANTENNA Element used to obtain instantaneous earthing of the antenna mast in case of a lightning stroke. Under normal conditions it remains isolated.

5.- MAST FIXATION Its function is the fixing of the mast. Different types of fixations exist such as fixing with screws or embedded.

6.- DOWN-CONDUCTOR This element directs the current of the lightning stroke form the head of the lightning rod to the earth termination system.

7.- CONDUCTOR HOLDING FIXTURE It provides the fixing of the down-conductor.

8.- DISCHARGE COUNTER The counter indicates the lightning strokes received by the protection system. Recommended in the standard UNE 21186 1996.

9.- TEST JOINT AND CONNECTING SLEEVES The test joint and the connecting sleeves allows to disconnect the earth termination system in order to measure the resistivity.

10.- PROTECTION PIPE Pipe of galvanized sheet of 2 m length in order to avoid mechanical forces against the down-conductor.

Earth termination and equipotentialization
Earth termination: there are various configurations depending on the construction and employed materials for earth termination systems. Equipotentiality: it is recommended to connect the earth electrode of the lightning rod with the existing earth termination system and with close metal parts, in order to assure an appropiate equipotentiality and to avoid sparking when a lightning stroke is absorbed.

See also on Earth Termination Sytems.