Update:
If you employ a lightning protection system vendor that is not listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and they do not employ Master Installers by exam according to the criteria of the Lightning Protection institute (LPI) you may want to ask the following questions since these contractors self-certify their installations:
1) Do they follow the NFPA 780 standards for installing lightning protection systems? They should show you their copy of the document.
2) Do they use UL listed components, meaning wire, air terminals, ground rods and connectors with the UL label attached?
3) Do they use all copper components which are better conductors? Aluminum is a cheaper option and is appropriate in certain circumstances but copper can be re-used when you eventually replace your roof.
4) How many ground rods will be installed and what length? They should install three to four ground rods depending on the size of your home. 10ft rods may be fine depending on your soil but 20ft will be better for most soil variations here in the Villages. The concern is although the Villages tries to build your home on good solid ground with a good soil mixture, some areas may have soil that is sandier than others and require longer ground rods to get to the less than 25-ohm specification.
5) Do they test all ground rods to verify they have less than 25 ohms resistance to earth ground. The installer should provide you with a report for each rod tested?
6) If they use 10ft ground rods make sure you see a report that all rods are less than 25 ohms to earth ground. If any are out of spec, you can ask and pay for an additional 10ft to get the rod in specification, less than 25 ohms.
7) Will the air terminals will have at least 2 paths to ground?
8) Do they ground and bond everything metal on the roof such as attic and dryer vents, gutters, and your HVAC, pool and spa equipment? Do they Bond the natural gas service piping entering the structure and distribution manifold in the attic if you have natural gas? Bonding means connecting to your earth grounding system.
9) What type of roofing connectors do they use? Is there any guarantee if there is a leak and for how long? Do they use any sealants used to prevent leaks?
10) What is their recommended maintenance interval is and how much it will cost? You should have your system checked every 3-5 years.
|