Lightening rod protection

[jimbo2012]

I posted here I was going to install them myself, but I ran into this guy and worked a deal with 4 rods a small weather vane two grounds for just over what the parts would cost. UL listed etc. $600.

He did nice neat work I was watching the install.

His name is Rich 866.415.2231

[Fourpar]

Was installation UL inspected and certified?

[jimbo2012]

No, lightning protection isn't required in the first place. it's not required to have it inspected.

All the parts were UL approved with stamps or stickers.

[Fourpar]

Never said it was, just asked the question.

[Bogie Shooter]

From the July 2013 POA Bulletin, regarding ligntning rods.

Buyer Beware! If you do opt to install a
LPS be advised that this is an unregulated business
so you need to carefully consider your
choice of installer. For the best results seek
quotes from installers who are “listed” by Underwriters
Laboratories and the Lightning Protection
Institute. We have observed three firms
working in The Villages:

[Mikeod]

There's an important difference between the components being UL listed and the installation UL inspected. Installing approved components in a manner that doesn't truly protect the dwelling is marginally better than not installing them. Our UL inspection was done after the installation and the inspector suggested an additional connection between our outside garage lights and the grounding cable just to make sure. It passed without that connection, but the inspector thought it made it better. No additional charge for the connection, either.

Not to cast doubt on your installation, Jimbo, but to add some information for others looking for lightning protection.

[Lightning]

I posted here I was going to install them myself, but I ran into this guy and worked a deal with 4 rods a small weather vane two grounds for just over what the parts would cost. UL listed etc. $600.

He did nice neat work I was watching the install.

His name is Rich 866.415.2231

For the benefit of others who are considering the installation of lightning rods you may wish to consider only firms that are "listed" by Underwriters Laboratories and the Lightning Protection Institute who will install the system to the 2014 edition of NFPA 780, Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems. They will charge more but you have peace of mind that it was installed correctly to the aforementioned national standard. In the absence of governmental regulation this is how the industry polices itself. It would be rare for the cost to come in at such a low price.This is a buyer beware market place as there are no state or local governmental codes for residential lightning protection systems.

[jimbo2012]

In your opinion, I believe it was done to code since you did not see the install you should not make your aforesaid assumptions.

[Indydealmaker]

This website has a bunch of info on lightning rods. There IS some science to this.
Lightning.org (http://www.lightning.org/)

[Bosoxfan]

I'm hoping my neighbors have them installed. I figure if they put rods up the lightening will have less of a chance to hit my house.

[Mikeod]

In your opinion, I believe it was done to code since you did not see the install you should not make your aforesaid assumptions.

I don't think the responses were made to disparage your installation. Your original post indicated a plan to buy UL listed components and do the installation yourself. Others have posted links to the science behind installing lightning protection. I think there is a possibility of someone taking your idea, installing those components, and thinking they have provided protection when they really haven't protected the home at all.

[Lightning]

I'm hoping my neighbors have them installed. I figure if they put rods up the lightening will have less of a chance to hit my house.
I can show you a house that burned down here in The Villages where the house next door and another across the street had lightning protection. This is a myth debunked in Lightning Tips for Villagers. See the Lifelong Learning Catalog. Lightning is highly UNPREDICTABLE!

[Lightning]

In your opinion, I believe it was done to code since you did not see the install you should not make your aforesaid assumptions.

My comments are based on helping others who may feel that they need a LPS for peace of mind and want to assure themselves that they receive a quality installation that meets the national standard on lightning even though it is not required by state or local codes. My comments are also based on reports from UL and LPI listed installers who are engaged to inspect or in the case of the Owens Corning single recall are removing and re-installing the LPS. Often they find installations that do not meet NFPA 780. Buyer Beware!

[Shimpy]

I'm hoping my neighbors have them installed. I figure if they put rods up the lightening will have less of a chance to hit my house.

I've actually heard this is the best case, have your neighbors put rods up. BUT, if you look at all the buildings in the town squares you'll notice they all have lightning rods installed. The one time lightning did damage to me was when it went into the house thru the TV cable and fried several TV's. This would not have been prevented by lightning rods.

[Lightning]

The above is one of the common lightning myths that persists in this community. If you research the matter you will find that it is not supported by science and experience. A good place to start is Dr. Martin Uman's book, The Art and Science of Lightning Protection, that can be found in The Villages Library. You may also wish to check it out on line by visiting the Lightning Protection Institute web site. Further, in July 2008 a home in Sunset Pointe, without lightning rods, was struck by lightning and totally destroyed. The home next door and another across the street with lightning rods did not experience any damage even with this powerful nearby lightning stroke.