Trusted Electricians in Ocala, FL

Typically, a small fraction of 1 percent of the value of the structure. Costs are lower when the system is designed and installed during construction. Retrofitting a system, is very common, but tends to be more expensive. In comparison with other building systems, such as security or plumbing, the lightning protection is much less costly.

These systems lack the support of the independent scientific community. There is no evidence that brushes or umbrellas can drain the charge out of a thunderstorm as claimed. Many times these brushes are incorporated into a system than is designed according to standards and simply substitute brush terminals for regular slender rods. Lightning researchers have not found any advantage to this practice, so these systems are actually a waste of money. Since the brush terminals can cost $50-$200 a piece. Researchers who have studied these systems include, the Air Force, NASA, FAA, University of Florida, New Mexico Tech and the University of Arizona.

Some cables are inevitable, but if the system is designed early enough in the planning stage much of the system can be run under the roof, leaving just the air terminals exposed. The structural steel of a building can often be used in lieu of conductors. This also limits the number of roof conductors that you will see.

Architects should be offering lightning protection to their clients and making their clients aware that without lightning protection, their buildings are at risk. The NFPA 780 Risk Assessment guide is helpful for that. Architects can also review lightning protection plans to ensure that the aesthetics of the building are not compromised. For example, architects can recommend the use of railings in lieu of air terminals for a particular parapet wall or the use of tin-plated air terminals to blend with the color of the roof material. Other things to be aware of when planning for lightning protection might be provisions for chases if conductors are to be run inside concrete walls and the use of compatible adhesives as recommended by roofing manufacturers.

Not always. There are different guidelines in different parts of the country. Some Federal agencies require lightning protection, other agencies have requirements that if lightning protection is to be installed it must comply with NFPA 780. For example, the VA requires a UL Master Label for all lightning protection installations. The Federal Bureau of Prisons requires lightning protection systems. In Florida, the State Building Code requires lightning protection for all hospitals and schools. The Florida requirements will expand in 2004 to also cover all health care facilities including, outpatient buildings and extended care homes.