Lightning

Protection
IEEE/MCPQG Meeting
May 1, 2018
Mike Puckett, PE
Overview
• Purposes of Lightning Protection
• Lightning Statistics
• Physics of Lightning
• Modes of Equipment Damage
• How does Lightning “Get-In”
• Systems affected by Lightning
• Lightning Protection
• Grounding and Bonding
• Shielding
• Circuit Isolation
• Surge Protection (lightly covered)
• Building Envelope Lightning Protection System (not included)

2
Purposes of Lightning
Protection

3
Purposes of Lightning Protection
• Protect People
• Protect Equipment
• Protect Power Lines
• Protect Structures (Buildings)
• Protect Storage of Explosive Materials
• Protect Towers and Tanks
• Protect Watercraft
• Protect Livestock

4
Lightning Statistics

5
Lightning Statistics
• 30 to 1200 Lightning Flashes per Second around the
World (Cloud-to-Cloud, Intracloud, & Cloud-to-Ground).
• Up to 9 Million Flashes per Day Worldwide.
• Cloud (Cloud-to-Cloud & Intracloud) Discharges account
for more Flashes than Cloud-to-Ground Flashes
(Intracloud most common).
• Cloud-to-Ground Flash Densities (Flashes / Square km
per Year:
• Greater Nashville: 5 to 6
• Tampa, FL: 14+ (Highest in U.S.)
• Along West Coast: 0+ to 0.1 (Lowest in U.S.)

6
Lightning Statistics
• Insurance Payouts in U.S.: ~ $1 Billion/yr.
• Cost of U.S. Lightning Damage: More than $1 Billion/yr.
• NFPA Reports ~ 30,000 Lightning Caused House Fires
each Year with Cost of $175 Million.
• About 30% of all Church Fires are Lightning Related.
• Lightning is Primary cause of Fires on Farms and for more
than 80% of Livestock Losses.
• In 1999, Lightning ignited more than 2000 Forest Fires in
Florida alone.

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Physics of Lightning

8
Physics of Lightning
• Leader Potential of 1,000,000 to 10,000,000 Volts with
Respect to Earth.
• Typical 1st Return Stroke nearly 30,000 Amps but can be
as high as 300kA.
• Subsequent Strokes 10,000 to 15,000 Amps.
• 1st Return Stroke Rise Times of 1.8µs to 18µs with 5.5µs
being typical. Equates to 14kHz to 139kHz with 45kHz
being typical.
• Subsequent Return Stroke Rise Times of 0.22µs to 4.5µs
with 1.1µs being typical. Equates to 56kHz to 1.1MHz
with 227kHz being typical.

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Lightning Stroke

10
Lightning Stroke

The shape
Represents a
Downward Leader

Leader/Streamer
Connection

11
Modes of Lightning Damage

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Modes of Lightning Damage
• Direct Lightning Strike
• Resistive Coupling (Conduction)
• Inductive Coupling (Electromagnetic)
• Capacitive Coupling (Electrostatic)

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Direct Lightning Strike

BEFORE STRIKE AFTER STRIKE

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Direct Lightning Strike

• Direct strike can cause extensive damage to equipment

that is struck and to equipment within building

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Direct Lightning Strike

Rooftop HVAC Unit

Typical Compressor
Terminals

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Direct Lightning Strike
Rooftop HVAC Unit, Continued

Circuit Board

Fan Motor
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Resistive & Inductive Coupling

• Based on Typical 1st Return Stroke 5.5µs Rise Time.

• NFPA 780 Bonding Distance Calculation is based on Inductive Coupling.

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Inductive Coupling

• Induced Voltage Vi(t) = µLfI(t)[ln(R1/R2)], where µ is permeability of the

medium and dimensions (L, R1, and R2) are in meters.
• In free space, µ = 4π x 10-7

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Inductive Coupling

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Inductive & Capacitive Coupling

• Voltage Transients travelling along conductors will

couple/induce voltages into adjacent conductors via mutual
capacitance and inductance. Zc=1/(2πfC).
• Thus, good reason to include all modes of SPD protection.

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How Does Lightning “Get-In”

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How Does Lightning “Get In”
• Surges Capacitively and Magnetically Coupled through
Utility Transformer
• Service Neutral Conductor
• Surges Induced into Service Entrance Conductors
• Shield of Telephone or CATV Service Entrance Cables
• Shield of Satellite or TV Antenna Cables
• Shield of Radio Antenna Cables
• Surges Induced into External Power Circuits

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How Does Lightning “Get In”
• Surges Induced into External Low-Voltage Circuits
(Telephone, CATV, Satellite, CCTV, Security, Fire Alarm,
Monitoring, Generator Annunciation & Controls, etc.)
• Lightning Protection Down Conductors
• Building Steel
• Rooftop Equipment
• Ground Differential between Electrical Services,
Buildings, and/or Sections within same Building

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Systems affected by Lightning

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Systems affected by Lightning:
• Power
• Telephone
• CATV and Satellite TV
• Radio and TV Communications
• Computer Network (Hardwired and Wireless)
• Fire Alarm
• CCTV
• Security (Intrusion and Access Control)
• Intercom or Public Address
• Annunciators (e.g. outdoor generator)
• Monitoring Systems (DCIM, etc.)
• Building Automation System
• Gate Operators
• Etc.

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Lightning Protection

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Lightning Protection
• Grounding and Bonding (1st and Best Defense)
• Shielding
• Circuit Isolation
• Surge Protection
• Building Envelope Lightning Protection System

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Grounding and Bonding
• Earth Connection
• Earth Resistivity
• Grounding Electrode System
• Low Impedance Path to Ground (Earth)
• Equipotential Ground Reference

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Earth Resistivity
• Earth is composed of (1) rock derivatives
(sand, clay, etc.), (2) soluble salts, acids,
etc., and (3) water (about 20% normally).
• The first component is very highly
resistive so does not contribute to the
current flow.
• The 2nd component combined with the
3rd component (water) becomes an
electrolyte, which has moderate
resistivity.
• It is the combination of the 2nd & 3rd
components that carry the electric
current. Absence of either one makes
the earth highly resistive.

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Earth Resistivity
• Soil Resistivity is the measurement of the
resistance of a homogenous cubic unit of
soil.
• For example, 15,000 ohm-cm soil
includes 1 cubic centimeter of
homogenous soil that measures 15,000
ohms between any two sides.
• Earth is a relatively Poor Conductor.
• The Resistivity of moist topsoil is about 6
Billion Times higher than Copper.
• The relative low Conductivity is
overcome by being so massive; Diameter
equal to its Length.

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Earth Resistivity
Comparison of Resistivities (Ohm-cm)

• Salt Marsh: 250 - 1,000 (Soil is

Corrosive below 2,000).
• Moist Top Soil: 5,000 – 20,000
• Concrete: 3,000
• GEM: 20
• Copper: 1.72 x 10-6

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Grounding Electrode System
NEC Required Grounding Electrodes, Where Present

• Rod or Pipe Electrode (Min. 8 ft)

• Metal Underground Water Pipe 10’ or more in Earth
• Concrete Encased Electrode (Rod , Conductor, or Rebar)
• Plate Electrode
• Ground Ring Encircling Building
• Building Steel Member 10’ or more in Earth
• Building Steel Column Hold-Down Bolts connected to
Concrete-Encased Electrode

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Grounding Electrode System
NEC Required Supplemental Grounding Electrodes

• Metal Underground Water Pipe must be Supplemented

by a Rod or other acceptable Electrode
• Where Single Rod, Pipe, or Plate Electrode is the only
Grounding Electrode, must have an Earth Resistance of
25 Ohms or less or be Supplemented by another Rod,
Plate, or other acceptable Electrode

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Grounding Electrode Resistance
“Interfacing Hemisphere”
• The Interfacing Hemisphere
makes up approximately 100% of
the rod’s earth connection (i.e.
resistance).
• Virtual Cylindrical Shells of Earth
Extend Outward from Rod.
• Shells nearest the rod have the
smallest cross sectional area and
thus the highest resistance and
highest voltage gradients.
• Therefore, the first few inches
away from the rod are the most
important for reducing the earth
resistance.

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Grounding Electrode Resistance
“Interfacing Hemisphere”
• Successive shells have progressively
larger areas and thus progressively
lower resistances. As the radius from
the rod increases, the incremental
resistance per unit of radius deceases
effectively to zero.
• Total Electrode Earth Resistance is
the sum of the series resistances of
the virtual shells of earth.
• The Rod’s Effective Interfacing
Hemisphere (IH) radius is
approximately 1.0 times the rod
length. Therefore, it is best to space
rods at least 2 times their length.
• Closer Spacing Reduces the Full
Benefit, analogous to filling
overlapping buckets

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Grounding Electrode Resistance
“Interfacing Hemisphere”

• Rods are too close causing overlapping of Interfacing Hemispheres

• Reduces the Full Benefit, analogous to filling overlapping buckets

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Grounding Electrode Resistance
“Interfacing Hemisphere”

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Grounding Electrode Resistance
Calculating Resistance to Ground

• Formulas Developed by H.W. Dwight for various Electrode

Configurations, as listed in IEEE Green Book and other
publications.
• One Ground Rod:
• R = (ρ/2πL)[ln(3L/a)-1], where ρ is soil resistivity in ohm-cm, L is rod
length in cm, and a is rod diameter in cm.
• For 5/8”x10’ Rod: R = ρ/339.3
• Rod diameter has small effect on resistance (3% less for ¾” vs. 5/8”)
• May want to use ¾” diameter rod for hard soil or rocky area.
• 10’ Rod Resistance is 17% Less than 8’ Rod

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Grounding Electrode Resistance
Calculating Resistance to Ground

• Buried Horizontal Conductor Simplified Formula by Ralph

Lee (Dupont Engineer):
• R = ρ/19L, where ρ is soil resistivity in ohm-cm, L is conductor length
in feet. Conductor buried 3 feet deep and greater than 3 feet from a
foundation wall. If conductor is 3 feet or less from foundation wall,
reduce 19 to 12.
• Metal Underground Water Pipe Resistance: Typically 1 to 3
Ohms

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Grounding Electrode Resistance
Calculating Resistance to Ground

• Net Resistance of Rods and Buried Conductors Simplified

Calculation by Ralph Lee (Dupont Engineer):
• R = RL - ½ [RL - (RL x RH)/(RL+RH)], Where
• R is net resistance of system
• RL is the lower of the two resistances (one or more rods or wire)
• RH is the higher of the two resistances (one or more rods or wire)
• See later slide for parallel resistance of rods
• This simplified calculation assumes the net resistance to be midway
between the lower of the two and the two in parallel.

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Grounding Electrode Resistance
Calculating Resistance to Ground

• Soil Resistivity:
• Refer to Resistivity Map for average resistivity for the geographic area.
• Average Resistivity for Middle TN is 250 Ohm-Meter (or 25,000 Ohm-
cm) per Resistivity Map.
• It is best to measure the Earth Resistivity in the area of the ground
field.
• Moisture and Temperature can significantly affect Soil
Resistivity:
• Lower moisture content results in higher resistivity.
• Lower temperature results in higher resistivity.
• From 40°C (104°F) and lower, the rise in resistivity is gradual to just
before ice formation and increases 3 times after ice formation.

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Grounding Electrode Resistance
Calculating Resistance to Ground

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Grounding Electrode Resistance
Calculating Resistance to Ground

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Grounding Electrode Resistance
• Earth Resistance of Multiple Rods is not Single Rod
Resistance divided by number of parallel rods.
• RN = (R1/n) x F, where
• RN is net resistance of all 2 to 24 parallel rods
• R1 is resistance of one rod
• n is number of rods in a line, triangle, circle, or square, at least one
rod length apart
• F is multiplying factor below:
No. of Rods F No. of Rods F
2 1.16 12 1.80
3 1.29 16 1.92
4 1.36 20 2.00
8 1.68 24 2.16

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Grounding Electrode Resistance
• Earth Resistance General Guidelines:
• Residence – 25 Ohms
• Small Commercial – 20 Ohms
• Industrial, Large Commercial – 10 Ohms Max.
• Substations – 5 Ohms Maximum
• With regards to the power system, in general,
the larger the electrical system the lower the
earth resistance should be due to higher fault
currents.

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Grounding Electrode Resistance
• Benefits of Low Ground Resistance:
• Lower touch and step potentials due to fault
currents.
• Lower touch and step potentials due to lightning
currents.
• To minimize impedance in order to quickly dissipate
a lightning stroke. Low ground resistance “swamps-
out” inductance of buried electrode system.
• Lower Ground Differentials between Services or
Separate Buildings
• Shielding action more effective for shielded cables
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Grounding Electrode Resistance
• Per NEC, a Single Rod, Pipe, or Plate Electrode with earth
resistance greater than 25 ohms must be augmented by
an another approved electrode.
• For 8’ rod to achieve 25 ohms, Earth Resistivity must be
60 ohm-meters or less.
• Few areas in U.S. have average soil resistivity less than
60 ohm-meters (Middle TN is 250 ohm-meters).

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Achieving Low Ground Resistance

• Use Copper-Bonded Ground Rods for Longevity.

• Studies have shown expected 40 to 50 year life with copper-
bonded rods with 10 and 13 mil of cladding respectively.
• Studies have shown expected 10 year life with galvanized rods.
• Consider 10 foot Rods for higher likelihood of connecting
to at least 8 feet of good soil.
• Certain section of soil may have lower resistivity.
• NFPA Lightning Protection Standard requires 8’ rods but driven to
10’.
• Use Thermal-Weld or Compression for below grade
connections

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Achieving Low Ground Resistance

• Ufer Grounds (Encased Electrodes):

• Concrete Resistivity is 30 Ohm-Meters.
• GEM Resistivity is 0.20 Ohm-Meters (made by
Erico & possibly others)
• Middle TN Average Soil Resistivity is 250 Ohm-
Meters.
• Concrete and GEM retain moisture and thus can
maintain a more constant resistivity.

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Achieving Low Ground Resistance

• Types of Ufer Grounds:

• Encased Ground Rods
• Well Driller Augers are about 6” Diameter
• Encased Buried Conductors
• Encased Rebar or Conductor in Foundation
• Encased Rebar in Building Column Footings

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Example Encased Electrodes

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Example Encased Electrodes

Consider:
• Weld anchor bolt to
rebar using rebar.
• Weld anchor bolt &
nut to column base.
• Size rebar for fault
current (see Green
Book)

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Achieving Low Ground Resistance
• Consider a Ground Ring
encircling the building.
• Can help to maintain
equipotential about the
building.
• Fields from currents splitting
around the building will have a
cancelling effect within the
building.
• Be aware of potential issues if
connecting interconnected
equipment to Ring.
• Required by NFPA 780 for
Buildings Taller than 60’

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Achieving Low Resistance and Good
Dynamic Response
• Use multiple Ground Radials to
reduce Surge Impedance.
• Each Radial being 15’ to 75’ in
Length and directed away from
the building.
• Initial value of surge impedance
due to lightning current can be
10 times or more the DC ground
resistance.
• Also applies to building
grounding, not just towers like
this example. Basic example
would be the traditional triad
ground.

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Achieving Low Resistance and Good
Dynamic Response

• “Grounding Triad” using

5/8”x10’ Ground Rods.
• Rods Spaced 20’.
• Buried Bare Copper Between
Rods, 18” Below Grade.
• Achieves approximately 17.5
Ohms in 25,000 ohm-cm soil.

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Low Impedance Path to Ground
Grounding Electrode Conductors

• Minimize Lengths and sharp bends.

• Avoid Bends Less than 90 Degrees.
• Use Bending Radius ≥ 8 inches.
• Minimizing length is generally more important
than bends.
• Use Compatible Materials and Protection to
Avoid Corrosion

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Low Impedance Path to Ground
Grounding Electrode Conductors

• Acceptable Conductor Bends

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Low Impedance Path to Ground
Grounding Electrode Conductors

• Unacceptable Conductor Bends

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Low Impedance Path to Ground
Grounding Electrode Conductors

• Conductor Z Predominantly Inductive Reactance at HF

• Z~X=2πfL
• Voltage Drop = L(di/dt) or (I)(2πfL)
• Inductance for Wire: L(in µH) = (0.00508)(l)[2.303Log(4l/d) -
.75] where l=Length and d=Diameter (both in inches).
• L(#2 CU) = 0.2654 µH/ft, L(#4/0 CU) = 0.2293 µH/ft
• For Typical 1st Return Stroke of 30kA with 5.5µs Rise Time,
VD = L(di/dt) = 1448V/ft (1251V/ft for #4/0)
• For Typical Subsequent Stroke of 12.5kA with 1.1µs Rise
Time, VD = L(di/dt) = 3016V/ft (2606V/ft for #4/0)

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Low Impedance Path to Ground
Grounding Electrode Conductors

• Consider Copper Straps for Lower Inductance.

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Low Impedance Path to Ground
Grounding Electrode Conductors

• Copper Straps
• Inductance for Strap: L(in µH) = (0.00508)(l)[2.303Log(2l/(w+t)) +
0.5 + 0.2235(w+t)/l] where l=Length, w=Width, t=Thickness (all in
inches)
• L (3” Strap) = 0.1915 µH/ft (28% less than #2 & 16% less than 4/0)
• L (6” Strap) = 0.1553 µH/ft (32% less than 4/0)
• 3” Strap Cross Sectional Area is close to #4 Wire
• 6” Strap Cross Sectional Area is close to #1 Wire
• For Typical 1st Return Stroke of 30kA with 5.5µs Rise Time, 3” Strap
VD = 1045V/ft (847V/ft for 6” Strap)
• For Typical Subsequent Stroke of 12.5kA with 1.1µs Rise Time, 3”
Strap VD = 2176V/ft (1765V/ft for 6” Strap)

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Low Impedance Path to Ground
Grounding Electrode Conductors

Burndy Type CH
Conduit/Wire Clamp

• Bond Grounding Electrode Conduits at each end.

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Bonding
• Minimize Lengths and sharp bends.
• Avoid Bends Less than 90 Degrees.
• Use Minimum Bending Radius of 8 inches.
• Minimizing length is generally more important
than bends.
• Use Compatible Materials and Protection to
Avoid Corrosion.

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Bonding

• Consider Thermal-Welded connections where applicable

(building steel, fence posts, etc.)

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Bonding

• Other applications include drill & tap, 1-Hole Lugs, & terminations for enclosures and
ground busses

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Bonding

• Other applications include drill & tap, 1-Hole Lugs, & terminations for enclosures and
ground busses

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Bonding

• Bond all Electrical Services to Same Bus/Bar (Power,

Telephone, CATV).

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Bonding

• Bond all Grounding Electrodes together.

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Bonding

• Bond all External Cables to Building Grounding System where they

Enter the Building.

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Bonding

• Bond across Water Pipe Backflow Preventers and Valves.

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Bonding
• For Metal Frame Buildings, take advantage of the
Structure as a “Grounding Grid”.
• The large surface areas and numerous parallel paths provide for a
low impedance grounding grid.
• In Bar Joist Construction, joists are welded to beams and roof deck
metal pans are tack welded to joists and tack welded pan-to-pan.
• Beam-to-Beam and Beam-to-Column connections are usually
bolted and in some cases may also include tack welds.
• Building steel bolted connections for fault and lightning current
paths are accepted by NEC and NFPA 780 and other standards.
• In critical/sensitive applications, consider bonding across a certain
number of bolted connections.

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Bonding
Metal Building

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Bonding
Metal Building

74
Bonding
2002

1965

1952

• Bond Isolated Sections of Building Steel & perhaps adjacent buildings.

• Building additions are normally not connected structurally.

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Bonding and Grounding Summary
Be aware of potential
implications with CSST Gas Piping

76
Bonding and Grounding Summary

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Shielding

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Shielding

• Cable offers no protection against Electric or Magnetic

Fields (E or H-Fields)

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Shielding

• Twisted Pair provides protection against Common-Mode Induced Voltage from

Magnetic Fields.
• Ideally, Equal Voltages are Induced on each conductor and they subtract when
summed together at the Terminals

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Shielding

• Twisted Pair provides protection against Common-Mode Induced Voltage

from Magnetic Fields.
• Continuous & Grounded Steel Conduit provides shielding from E and H-Fields.

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Shielding

• Twisted Pair provides protection against Common-Mode Induced Voltage from Magnetic
Fields.
• Shield grounded only at one-end provides E-Field shielding with some limitation.

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Shielding

• Twisted Pair provides protection against Common-Mode Induced

Voltage from Magnetic Fields.
• Good compromise with shield grounded only at one-end.

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Shielding

• Twisted Pair provides protection against Common-Mode Induced

Voltage from Magnetic Fields.
• Shield provides protection against both E and H-Fields.

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Shielding

• Twisted Pair provides H-Field protection.

• Shielded cable plus steel conduit provides double shielding against both E
and H-Fields.
• Double Shielded cables also available.

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Shielding

• Cable could also be Twisted Pair.

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Shielding

The induced conductor currents can also include Normal-Mode.

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Shielding

88
Shielding

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Shielding

• Another way of looking at the shielding action is the induced shield current H-Field
opposes the incident H-Field resulting in a net (residual) current.

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 Shielding

• If stray ground currents or ground differential could cause issue with signal, can only ground shield
at one end.
• Grounding at one end provides E-Field Protection but not H-Field Protection

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Shielding

• This could be applicable for recording studios or other applications where

grounding both ends of shield creates ground loops and thus noise.

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Circuit Isolation

93
Circuit Isolation
• Ground Differentials
• Ethernet
• Signal Isolators
• Optical Isolators
• Fiber Optics

94
Circuit Isolation
Ground Differentials

2002

1965

1952

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Circuit Isolation
Ground Differentials

• Ground Differential will be divided among all paths

between the two grounding points, which will help

96
Circuit Isolation
Ground Differentials

• Typical for data, communications, & signal circuits, such as RS-485,

RS-422, Ethernet, Telephone, BAS, Fire Alarm, Security, etc.

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Circuit Isolation
Ground Differentials

98
Circuit Isolation
Ethernet

• Ethernet transformers can provide approx. 700V of isolation each.

• One of 4 Data Pairs shown.
• Cat. 5/5e includes two active pairs and Cat. 6 uses all four pairs.

99
Circuit Isolation
Ethernet

• Ground Differential can be created via circuit grounding

conductors due to EMI Filters, SPD operation, Faults, etc.

100
Circuit Isolation
Ethernet with PoE

• Two of 4 Pairs are used for Powering the PoE Device.

• Cat 5/5e Mode B uses two spare pairs without transformers.

101
Circuit Isolation
Optical Isolators

• Optical Isolators can provide 2kV or more of isolation

each.

102
Circuit Isolation
Optical Isolators

• B&B Electronics offers models for various applications.

• For Ethernet, use Fiber Optic Media Converters

103
Circuit Isolation
Signal Isolator

• Typical application would be process controls.

104
Circuit Isolation
Signal Isolator

• Typical application would be process controls.

105
Circuit Isolation
Fiber Optics

• Fiber Optics provides 100% isolation.

• Wireless also provides 100% isolation but exposed to lightning.

106
Surge Protection

107
Surge Protection is Beneficial for
Protecting Against:
• Lightning-induced voltages on the utility power lines or electrical service
entrance.
• Utility switching.
• Utility power interruptions, especially repetitive on/off interruptions.
• Faults on the utility or the facility electrical system.
• Lightning-induced voltages on telephone or cable TV services.
• Lightning-induced voltages into facility power circuits.
• Lightning-induced voltages on outdoor circuits.
• Ground (voltage) differential between two ends of a circuit that extends
between buildings or different sections of a building.
• Starting and stopping of motor loads.
• Switching loads within the facility.
• Direct or indirect effects of lightning on outdoor equipment like rooftop
mechanical equipment, outdoor lighting, etc.

108
Systems that can be affected by Surges:
• Power
• Telephone
• CATV and Satellite TV
• Radio and TV Communications
• Computer Network (Hardwired and Wireless)
• Fire Alarm
• CCTV
• Security (Intrusion and Access Control)
• Intercom or Public Address
• Annunciators (e.g. outdoor generator)
• Monitoring Systems (DCIM, etc.)
• Building Automation System
• Gate Operators

109
SPD Locations

• Each Electrical Service

• Sub-Panels supplied from transformers, feeders exposed to
lightning, and/or supplying critical/sensitive equipment.
• Each Communications Service (Telephone, Cable TV, Satellite,
etc.)
• Each power, communications, controls, or data circuit that
extends beyond the building for outdoor equipment or a
remote building. Also required by NEC Articles 725, 800, and
820 for certain conditions.
• Critical/Sensitive utilization equipment. Consider combination
units where the equipment is connected to both power and
communications/data.

110
Surge Protection for Low-Voltage (<120V)
Circuits

• Consider an “Interface Box” for interface between

indoor and outdoor wiring

111
Surge Protection for Low-Voltage (<120V)
Circuits

• Consider an “Interface Box” for interface between

indoor and outdoor wiring

112
Case Studies

113
Church Case Study
Five Modular
Buildings with Steel
Floor Joists & Metal
Roof

Steeple ~110’
above grade

Steel Steel Roof Wood & Concrete

Structure & Metal Structure & Rubber Structures
Roof Roof 1956 & 1992
2008 2001

• Built in 3 Phases between 1956 and 2008

114
Church Case Study

Five Modular
Buildings
with Steel
Floor Joists
& Metal
Roof Wood &
Concrete
Steel Roof Structures
Structure & 1956 & 1992
Steel Rubber Roof
Structure & 2001
Metal Roof
2008 Service #1
Service #2

Service #3

115
Church Case Study

116
Church Case Study
Systems
• 49 HVAC Units with 26 roof-mounted on 2001
section roof.
• HVAC DDC Control System.
• This system includes a data cable (RS-485 protocol) that daisy-chains
through all HVAC unit controllers.
• LAN that originates in 1992 section with fiber optic
cables between 1992 section and 2008 section.
• A/V Control Room in 2008 section for Sanctuary.
• Video Transmitter in 2008 A/V Control Room with
video Receiver in 2001 Café and in 2008 Library.
• Intercom at main front entrance for communicating
with receptionist in front lobby.
• Access Control System with three card readers.

117
Church Case Study
“Field Work”

118
Church Case Study
Lightning Damage

• HVAC DDC Control System.

• This was the main damage that occurred repeatedly.
• It occurred occasionally before the 2008 section but escalated after
the 2008 section.
• This system includes a data cable (RS-485 protocol) that daisy-
chains through all HVAC unit controllers.
• Video Transmitter in 2008 A/V Control Room
and video Receiver in 2001 Café. The café
receiver had been damaged 2 to 3 times prior to
2010.
• Intercom and Card reader at main front
entrance.

119
Church Case Study
Grounding Before

120
Church Case Study
Grounding After

121
Church Case Study
Grounding Electrodes

122
Church Case Study
DDC Controls Before

123
Church Case Study
Ground Differential Conditions

124
Church Case Study
DDC Controls After

125
Church Case Study
Other Improvements
• SPD for each Electrical Service.
• SPD for all sub-panels that supply rooftop equipment.
• Bonded the same sub-panels to the building steel.
• Monitoring system for SPDs to send alarms via the LAN.
• Improved installation of ac supply SPDs for fire alarm
control panels and for low-voltage SPD for fire alarm
outdoor circuit to PIV.
• Installed outdoor exposed DDC data cables in steel
conduit.
• SPDs for Intercom and Card reader at main entrance.

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Damaged Equipment

• Radios
• Standby Generator Annunciation and Controls
• PCs
• Printers
• Wireless Access Point
• VoIP Phone
• CCTV DVR

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Radio Rack

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Antenna Tower and Cables

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Antenna Cables at Entry Panel (Bulkhead)

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Arcing between Rack and Ceiling Grid

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Grounding & Bonding Before

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Ground Differential Condition

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Grounding & Bonding After

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Recommended References
• Military Handbook 419A, Volumes 1 and 2, “Grounding, Bonding,
and Shielding for Electronic Equipment and Facilities”
• “Lightning Protection & Grounding Solutions for Communication
Sites” by Ken R. Rand, Polyphaser
• “The Art and Science of Lightning Protection” by Martin A. Uman,
PhD, University of Florida
• IEEE 142 (Green Book), IEEE Recommended Practice for Grounding
of Industrial and Commercial Power Systems.
• IEEE 1100 (Emerald Book), IEEE Recommended Practice for Powering
and Grounding Electronic Equipment
• NFPA 780, Lightning Protection Standard
• Lightning Protection Institute

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For Effective Lightning Protection
• Look at THE BIG PICTURE.
• Consider all Systems and Equipment
Involved.
• For Personal Safety, Respect Electricity and
Lightning!

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God Bless America and Our Troops

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