Originally Posted By: pdacey This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
House was at top of a hill, was the highest point for a few miles. It had a lightning protection system on the roof. However, it was obvious that this system was taken off of another house and installed on this one. There is tar and gravel still stuck to some of the rod bases. This roof is shingle. There was also a pretty lame splice in the line.
Who would the client call to evaluate such a system? An electrician? or are there lightning specialists out there.?
Originally Posted By: jpope This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
In my area, where lightning is rare, commercial electrical contractors are better versed at lightning diversion and suppression systems. The residential sparkies in my area will usually defer this to them.
Texas? Send them to an EC for guidance.
-- Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
"At JPI, we'll help you look better"
(661) 212-0738
Originally Posted By: Greg Fretwell This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Lightning protection is more art than science but the general rulse are that you want long straight lines with gradual bends when absolutely necessary. The splice you have there is shaky at best. That might just be a fireball if lightning hits. An inline splicing block is best since the lightning is actually travelling around the wire, not through it. (skin effect)
Jamming the wire together, end to end and wrapping it with duct tape might actually be better than a side by side splice.
Originally Posted By: pdacey This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Thanks guys
Greg Fretwell wrote:
.... the lightning is actually travelling around the wire, not through it. (skin effect)
OK, so the wire is painted all the way around in the lower areas where it is attached to the walls of the house. Could this cause a problem for the energy to travel around the wire?
